Glove material, reservoir formation, and dose affect glove permeation and subsequent skin penetration

Protective gloves are used to reduce dermal exposure when managing chemical exposures at the work place. Different glove materials may offer different degrees of protection. The present study combined the traditional ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) model with the Franz diffusion cell to evaluate overall penetration through glove and skin as well as the deposition in the different reservoirs. Benzoic acid was applied on latex or nitrile gloves placed on top of human skin. The amounts of chemical were quantified in the glove material, between glove and skin, within the skin, and in the receptor chamber. Both glove materials reduce total penetration of benzoic acid, but nitrile gloves offer a significantly better protection than latex gloves. This difference was less pronounced at the higher of the two concentrations of benzoic acid applied. Thus, glove types that offer relevant protection at low concentrations does not necessarily give appropriate protection at high concentrations. Significant amounts of benzoic acid could be extracted from the glove materials after exposure. If a chemical is accumulated in the glove material, reuse of single-use gloves should be cautioned. The reuse of gloves is generally not to be recommended without effective decontamination.

Influence of gloves made from latex or nitrile on percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid (4.0 mg/mL). Glove material was mounted on top of the skin in the static diffusion cells. Results are given as mean ± SEM.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Penetration of benzoic acid through two glove materials was compared.
► Nitrile gloves offer better protection than latex gloves.
► The protection is significantly reduced at high doses for both glove materials.
► Chemicals may accumulate and saturate glove materials causing reduced protection.
► Re-use of single-use gloves should therefore be cautioned.