Chemical Resistance of Disposable Nitrile Gloves Exposed to Simulated Movement

Abstract

Large discrepancies between laboratory permeation testing and field exposures have been reported, with indications that hand movement could account for a portion of these differences. This study evaluated the influence of simulated movement on chemical permeation of 30 different disposable nitrile glove products. Products were investigated out-of-box and with exposure to simulated whole-glove movement. Permeation testing was conducted using ethanol as a surrogate test chemical. A previously designed pneumatic system was used to simulate hand movement. No movement and movement tests were matched-paired to control for environmental conditions, as were statistical analyses. Permeation data were collected for a 30-min exposure period or until a breakthrough time (BT) and steady-state permeation rate (SSPR) could be determined. A third parameter, area under the curve at 30 min (AUC-30), was used to estimate potential worker exposure. With movement, a significant decrease in BT (p ≤ 0.05), ranging from 6–33%, was observed for 28 products. The average decrease in BT was 18% (p ≤ 0.001). With movement, a significant increase in SSPR (p ≤ 0.05), ranging from 1–78%, was observed with 25 products. The average increase in SSPR was 18% (p ≤ 0.001). Significant increases in AUC-30 (p ≤ 0.05), ranging from 23–277%, were also observed for all products where it could be calculated. On average, there was a 58% increase (p ≤ 0.001). The overall effect of movement on permeation through disposable nitrile gloves was significant. Simulated movement significantly shortened the BT, increased the SSPR, and increased the cumulative 30-min exposure up to three times. Product variability also accounted for large differences, up to 40 times, in permeation and cumulative exposure. Glove selection must take these factors into account. It cannot be assumed that all products will perform in a similar manner.

Changes in Chemical Permeation of Disposable Latex, Nitrile, and Vinyl Gloves Exposed to Simulated Movement

“…(2) Phalen and Wong reported comparable results with up to a 33% decrease in BT and up to a 78% increase in SSPR with exposure to simulated whole-glove movement. (2) A 3-fold increase in cumulative exposure, as the area under the permeation curve at 30 min (AUC 30 ), was also reported, which does not directly compare with the 1-fold increase in CP 30 in this current study. It has been shown that area under the permeation curve can provide an improved estimate of worker exposure over time; (2) however, both AUC 30 and CP 30 are a function of the BT and SSPR.…”

“…These results are consistent with a similar study evaluating the effect of movement on the permeation of ethyl alcohol through disposable nitrile gloves. (2) Phalen and Wong reported comparable results with up to a 33% decrease in BT and up to a 78% increase in SSPR with exposure to simulated whole-glove movement. (2) A 3-fold increase in cumulative exposure, as the area under the permeation curve at 30 min (AUC 30 ), was also reported, which does not directly compare with the 1-fold increase in CP 30 in this current study.…”

“…(2, 12) Closed-loop permeation monitoring for ethyl alcohol was conducted within a permeation chamber using a datalogging Minirae 2000 photoionization detector (PID) (Rae Systems, San Jose, CA, USA). Chamber concentrations were averaged and recorded every 30 seconds by the PID.…”

“…The rationale for this determination is provided in a previous study. (2) The SSPR was calculated using at least ten data points within the linear region of the permeation curve. A third measure, cumulative permeation (in units of μg/cm 2 ) at 30 minutes (CP 30 ), was determined to aid in the comparison of permeation results with studies incorporating standardized measures in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method F739 Standard Test Method for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Permeation of Liquids or Gases under Conditions of Continuous Contact .…”

“…(1) Phalen and Wong reported similar results with the permeation of ethyl alcohol through disposable nitrile rubber (herein referred to as nitrile) gloves exposed to simulated movement. (2) Conflicting evidence has been presented on the effect of movement on permeation of semi-volatile and/or non-volatile chemical compounds through glove materials. Colligan and Horstman reported no effect of movement on the BT with natural rubber latex (herein referred to as latex) and vinyl gloves exposed to antineoplastic drugs.…”