Recent viral outbreaks have significantly increased the global demand for gloves that offer specialized protection against microorganisms. According to a Scientific Reports study, “On a worldwide scale, it has been estimated that the strict implementation of standard control measures, in particular hand hygiene, could save one million lives annually” (Reilman, E., Hagting, J., Flipsen, T. et al., 2015).
However, selecting the appropriate worker hand protection for your specific job and environment can be tricky with so many options available. Below, we explore the key differences between antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial gloves to help you choose the appropriate safety gloves for your needs.
Understanding the Differences
While the terms antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial often get used interchangeably, they represent distinct properties and types of protection when it comes to safety gloves:
- Antimicrobial Gloves: Antimicrobial gloves are treated with agents that inhibit the development of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses. They help reduce the risk of infections by actively killing or preventing the growth of microbes on the glove surface.
- Antiviral Gloves: Antiviral gloves are specifically designed to inactivate viruses. They contain antiviral agents that can neutralize viruses upon contact, providing additional protection against viral infections beyond the physical barrier that gloves typically offer.
- Antibacterial Gloves: Antibacterial gloves are treated with agents that target and kill bacteria, preventing their growth and spread on the glove surface.
Antimicrobial gloves offer the broadest protection, while antiviral and antibacterial gloves provide more targeted protection against specific microorganisms.
Antimicrobial Work Gloves: How They Work and When to Use Them
Antimicrobial gloves are a versatile option for those needing broad protection against various microorganisms. They are commonly used workers needing to adhere to the most rigorous health and safety conditions, like food services, healthcare, and labs. These gloves are often treated with agents that disrupt the cell walls of microorganisms, effectively preventing them from multiplying.
For instance, some gloves may contain silver ions, known for disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting viral replication. Others might use quaternary ammonium compounds, which are effective against a broad range of pathogens. They also offer continuous protection, making them suitable for prolonged use and scenarios where frequent glove changes are impractical.
Antiviral Gloves: Protection Against Viruses
Antiviral gloves are specifically designed to protect against the spread of viruses. They are typically made from nitrile, latex, or other materials that inhibit the penetration of viral particles. Some antiviral gloves may also contain antiviral agents that can inactivate viruses on contact.
Critical in healthcare settings, these are commonly disposable gloves, especially during outbreaks of infectious diseases. They are also part of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in laboratories, research facilities, and other environments with high risks of viral exposure.
Antibacterial Work Gloves: Guarding Against Bacteria
Antibacterial gloves are typically treated with agents, such as silver ions or other biocides, which disrupt bacterial cell walls or interfere with their metabolic processes to inhibit bacterial proliferation. They help reduce the risk of bacterial transmission, ensuring a higher level of hygiene and safety for the user and the items or surfaces they come into contact with.
They’re essential in environments where bacterial contamination is a primary concern, such as food handling, healthcare, and specific manufacturing processes.
Choosing the Right Germ-Resistant Gloves for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate hand protection depends on various factors, including the types of microorganisms you're protecting against, the specific tasks, and the exposure risks in the work environment. Here are some tips for choosing the best safety gloves for your specific applications:
- Identify The Risks: Conduct a workplace hazard assessment, examining the tasks users perform, work conditions, and other potential hazards. Remember, infrequently done tasks or non-routine operations could still pose risks.
- Material Considerations: Nitrile gloves are a popular choice due to their resistance to chemicals, punctures, and microorganisms, making them suitable for various applications. Latex gloves offer excellent elasticity and tactile sensitivity. However, they may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Check Certifications: Look for certifications that ensure the gloves meet safety and performance standards. For example, ISO 374-5:2024 specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves that protect users against microorganisms (ISO, 2024). Meanwhile, compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 177 certifies that the gloves are safe for food contact.
For more information, you can refer to our safety glove guide. Of course, you can always contact us for assistance with selecting the appropriate worker safety equipment for your team. We’re always happy to help.
References:
- ISO (July 2024). ISO 374-5:2024. Retrieved from ISO 374-5:2024 - Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms — Part 5: Terminology and performance requirements for micro-organisms risks
- Reilman, E., Hagting, J., Flipsen, T. et al. Towards an antimicrobial ‘microglove’. Sci Rep 5, 16679 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep16679