Numerous advisories point out dangers of latex gloves. High-latex protein content powered gloves are the most dangerous. Students with known latex allergy, Spina Bifida, and other myelodysplasias are at highest risk. Health care workers or others who repeatedly wear latex gloves are at increasing risk. Many hospitals including Johns Hopkins and Scottish Rite Hospitals have eliminated the use of latex gloves.
Latex gloves are the most common cause of latex allergies and severe latex allergic reactions.
Currently available medical grade vinyl gloves are appropriate except for use in sterile procedures. Nitryl gloves can be used for sterile procedures. The CDC has never recommended vinyl gloves for universal precautions. Although there is disagreement in the literature, medical grade vinyl gloves appear to offer equivalent, or better protection. Proper glove wearing behaviors, including removing all jewelry and avoiding incompatible lotions are important factors for glove integrity.