The Ansell Rubber Company of Melbourne, Australia, was the first to manufacture latex disposable gloves in 1964. The company, which originally manufactured condoms and balloons, was started by a former Dunlop employee, Eric Ansell, in 1905. They were also the first to manufacture household gloves in 1925. Ansell designed and constructed the first automatic gloves dipping machine in 1945 that could produce synthesized gloves and just eight hours. An aggressive expansion program during the following two decades helped Ansell grow into the world’s largest latex glove manufacturer for both medical and household use.
Latex free disposable gloves
There are a variety of different types of disposable gloves in use today. People suffering from latex allergy will opt for latex free gloves. The commonest choices for this type of glove are nitrile (a synthetic rubber) and vinyl (a plastic). Latex gloves are made from natural rubber.
Any medical worker will tell you that they seek gloves that that fit correctly. Since latex gloves have a higher degree of elasticity, they tend to be a good choice that fits all users hands no matter what thickness of glove is employed. Nitrile gloves have various degrees of flexibility in softness. Many people find that they do fit comfortably well, while others find them not very flexible.
Yet, many industrial workers need to complete tasks in a latex free environment, especially if individuals are allergic to natural rubber. Since use of protective disposable gloves is almost universal, specifically in healthcare, the incidence of latex allergies has been on the rise. This causes many people to seek a non-latex type of glove such as nitrile or vinyl gloves as a substitute where latex sensitivity comes into question.
Hand dexterity, specifically finger dexterity, is accomplished more effectively using gloves made from natural rubber. However, all disposable gloves made from a variety of different materials score equally when it comes to gross dexterity tasks though nitrile gloves afford better protection from needle punctures and ripping.