Q: What does “lightly powdered” mean for industrial-grade latex gloves?
A: “Lightly powdered” means the interior of the latex glove has a fine coating of USP-grade cornstarch powder, making the glove easier to don and reducing hand perspiration.
Q: Are industrial-grade latex gloves the same as medical-grade latex gloves?
A: No — industrial-grade latex gloves are designed for general industrial, janitorial, food-service and light-chemical use rather than surgical or examination-use; they may have a higher defect tolerance and different certification.
Q: What are key considerations when selecting lightly-powdered latex gloves for job-site use?
A: Verify size, thickness, fit, the presence of powder if required for ease of donning, whether the powder-coating is food-safe if used in food-service, and assess any latex allergy risk as powdered latex can exacerbate sensitivities.
Q: What are safe practices to follow when using and disposing of disposable latex gloves?
A: Ensure your hands are clean and dry before donning, avoid touching external surfaces with bare skin, discard after a single use or when damaged, and wash hands afterwards. For environments with latex allergy concern, consider non-latex alternatives.