Latex gloves: facts and myths

In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence and development of synthetic materials (nitrile and vinyl) that offer a valid alternative for all those who experience latex-related allergies. But the market has evolved, and the professional risks associated with this material have effectively diminished. When compared to vinyl and nitrile gloves, latex gloves remain an excellent choice in terms of strength, elasticity, durability and comfort.

We would like to shed some light on the myths about latex.

Proteins in latex gloves cause sensibility in some individuals, leading to allergic reactions

For several years, powder-free low-protein natural latex gloves have been available, which have a protein content of less than 50 µg/g, limiting the risk of allergic reactions* and increasing biocompatibility. Other more common

forms of allergy and dermatitis are not due to latex but are often reactions to additives used in production processes similar to those used in nitrile gloves.

• The protein content in latex gloves is not always specified

YICHANG verifies and declares the total protein content of latex present inside its gloves with extreme precision, in total transparency and to the exclusive advantage of the customer.

• Disposable gloves are difficult to dispose of

False! Not all disposable gloves are difficult to dispose of. Latex gloves, for example, originate from sustainable and renewable sources and biodegrade much more quickly than synthetic products such as nitrile gloves and PVC gloves (vinyl). YICHANG latex gloves biodegrade in just a few years.

In short, choosing latex gloves is now an ecological and sustainable choice. An example?

*nowadays this risk is very low and is limited to those with a previously established history of latex allergy. The safety of these users, who are unable to use latex gloves, is guaranteed by the use of a symbol warning of the presence of latex, which is immediately recognisable, and the information is repeated in the cautionary information provided (as required by the regulation regarding medical devices n. 2017/745).

Hands: an instrument that must be treated with gloves!

The hands are perhaps the most refined and competent tool we have at our disposal. We hardly ever stop to think about it, but thanks to our hands we can create, shape, recognize, break, fix, build, count, caress and even communicate. Hands tell something about us. In fact, everyone has their own gestures and their own communicative style, characteristics that can say a lot about our personality.

When we first read Willem Hooft‘s story, we immediately noticed the importance of hands in his life. “I can no longer walk, but I will learn to fly”: this is the promise that Willem made to himself immediately after the motorcycle accident that left him in a wheelchair in 2016. A great windsurfing enthusiast, he never stopped fighting for his dream of him.

And so, one day, he met the man who changed his life: another dreamer, as he would say. A man who kitesurfed on a custom board equipped with a special seat. Without using his legs but holding on with all his strength – and his hands – to that kite, he was able to literally fly over the waves. Inspired by this great example of tenacity, Willem worked hard, trained and finally made his dream a reality. Today he travels around the world to spread the sit-kiteboarding movement and inspire other boys and girls like him.

Now his goal is even greater: to make sit-kiteboarding a Paralympic discipline. And we wanted to be by his side.