Harmfulness of Chemical Vulcanization Accelerators for Medical Glove Users 

Keywords: Accelerators, Medical Gloves, Allergy

Medical gloves expose users to allergies

Medical gloves protect healthcare workers from microorganisms. They can be made from various materials, some of which require vulcanization – a process of hardening rubber. Vulcanization necessitates the use of special substances called accelerators, which can cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin.

Allergies to Vulcanization Accelerators

Symptoms of allergies to accelerators include:

• Itching
• Redness,
• Dryness,
• Peeling,
• Cracking and bleeding scabs

Preventing Allergies

• Choose accelerator-free gloves
• Pay attention to the packaging description and look for information indicating the absence of accelerators.
• Use synthetic gloves instead of latex gloves
• Choose gloves of the appropriate size and quality
• Regularly change gloves
• Put gloves on dry hands only
• Avoid contact with other sources of latex and accelerators
• Consult a doctor if allergy symptoms occur

Summary

Chemical accelerators used in the vulcanization of medical gloves can cause allergies. To avoid them, follow the rules for selecting and using gloves. If allergy symptoms occur, consult a doctor.