How Resistant Are Latex and Nitrile Gloves to Different Chemicals?

Latex and nitrile gloves are widely used in laboratories, workshops, and industrial settings, but they don't necessarily provide the same level of protection against every chemical.

Natural rubber latex offers flexibility and good tactile sensitivity, while nitrile is often preferred for handling oils and greases. However, chemical resistance depends on more than the basic material. The chemical being handled, its concentration, contact time, glove thickness, and the possibility of permeation can all affect performance.

I've noticed that people sometimes assume a thicker glove automatically provides better chemical protection, but that doesn't always seem to be the case. A material that resists one substance may swell, degrade, or allow another substance to permeate through it.

I'm interested in how others approach glove selection for laboratory or industrial work.

• Do you check chemical-resistance charts before choosing gloves?

• Have you found significant differences between latex and nitrile when working with different substances?

• How much do glove thickness and contact time affect your choice?

• Are there particular manufacturer resources you trust when evaluating chemical compatibility?

It seems that choosing gloves based on the specific chemical and the manufacturer's compatibility data is more reliable than relying on the material name alone.