Thin nitrile examination gloves, both powdered and powder-free, were the first development in the nitrile family. Slightly thicker nitrile gloves are available for use by Emergency Medical Services and for administering chemotherapy. Sterile nitrile gloves for surgical and sterile procedures are also available. Neoprene medical gloves are relatively new, although Neoprene industrial gloves have been sold for many years. Neoprene medical gloves offer an excellent alternative to latex because they too are synthetic and do not contain latex.
Neoprene is more expensive than natural rubber latex, nitrile or vinyl.
The level of protection offered by Neoprene is excellent. Latex Related Reactions Allergic hypersensitivity reactions to latex are significant problems. In response, the FDA issued an alert in 1991. Gloves are not the only products that contain latex. Natural rubber is used in over 40,000 different products from household to medical items.