The infectious dose, titer and the infectivity of the virus determine the risk in question. When a glove s physical properties are compromised by chemical exposure, the tear resistance is adversely affected. Tearing usually follows a puncture of the glove. Puncture occurs when a probe, needle or some other object is forced through the glove. Puncture resistance depends on factors such as thickness, hardness of the polymer, and molecular structure.
Some polymers are better than others.
For example, nitrile and neoprene are more puncture resistant than PVC gloves of the same thickness. Compression also affects a glove s tear properties. Compression simply means squeezing the polymer. Compression involves holding an object, or pushing down on an instrument. If a chemical degrades or softens a glove it will make it easier to rupture, split or depending on the chemical, disintegrate.