Iowa
State University Extension
Not
all glove materials are alike when it comes to pesticide protection.
The precautionary statement on the pesticide label indicates
if chemically resistant gloves are needed. You can choose
among several types.
Chemically
resistant gloves are made with different rubbers: natural,
butyl, chloroprene, nitrile, and fluorocarbon (Viton:); or
various plastics: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol,
and polyethylene. These materials can be blended or laminated
together for better performance. Silver Shield: and 4H: have
good chemical resistance and are barrier laminates.
In testing
gloves for comparison, scientists measure "chemical break-through"
time. This is the amount of time needed for a specific pure
chemical to permeate (soak) through the glove. The longer
the time, the better the protection, but an 8-hour break-through
time is common. When selecting glove materials, consider not
only the pesticide's active ingredient, but also its formulation.
Most
rubbers and plastics are resistant to dry and/or water-based
pesticides. However, for other pesticide formulations, such
as emulsifiable concentrates, the glove material also must
resist the solvent. Common solvents are xylene, fuel oil,
petroleum distillates, and alcohol. If the pesticide label
does not specify a glove material, select a butyl, nitrile,
or a barrier laminate glove.
Cotton,
canvas, and leather gloves are easily penetrated and hard
to clean so they are not recommended for work with pesticides.
If a material is not resistant to your pesticide, you will
probably notice some glove damage right away. If so, discard
them immediately and try a different glove material.
For
more information, contact your extension office for a free
copy of a new publication, Keep gloves handy for pesticide
work, Pm-1518e.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University,
and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their
families. Distribution date: May 1993.
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