Contact Information: Contact: Cathy Purcell 202-285-0370
Published Studies Back Use of Latex Gloves in Swine Flu Kits
MREPC Says Latex Is a Proven Barrier Against Viruses and the Only "Green" Option
| Source: MREPC
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - May 12, 2009) - Amidst measures being taken to address the
swine flu (H1N1 virus) outbreak, Operation USA and other groups are
distributing precautionary kits that contain face masks and natural rubber
latex gloves, according to the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council
(MREPC). There are many types of gloves on the market, but gloves made
from natural rubber latex are most appropriate to guard against viral
transmissions, according to peer-reviewed, published studies posted at
http://www.latexglove.info/health_safety.php. Natural rubber is also a
renewable resource and biodegradable -- unlike synthetic rubber gloves,
which are made from petroleum-derived materials.
Denise Korniewicz, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor and Sr. Associate Dean for
Research, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, is an
accomplished researcher and a well-recognized authority on the barrier
integrity of medical gloves. She notes that barrier protection is
paramount during the current swine flu outbreak.
"Although nitrile and vinyl gloves are available for hand protection, latex
gloves still provide the most effective barrier against bacteria and
viruses," said Dr. Korniewicz. "Vinyl gloves are the least effective. To
date, latex gloves remain the gold standard for barrier protection for
healthcare workers."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Medical Glove Powder Report states
that there are many gloves made from materials other than latex, such as
synthetic rubbers or polymers, but "none possesses the unique mix of
properties found in NRL (natural rubber latex) gloves." These properties
include high tensile strength and elasticity. The latter property allows
the gloves to reseal holes created from accidental needle pricks, which
often happen in the health care setting.
Latex gloves are produced by countries such as Malaysia, the world's
leading producer of latex and nitrile gloves. All gloves from Malaysia meet
FDA requirements. Quality certified premium latex examination gloves are
also available under the Standard Malaysian Glove (SMG) program. SMG gloves
have controlled low protein levels and are environmentally friendly. For
more information on latex gloves, please visit www.latexglove.info.
MREPC is a non-profit organization set up by Malaysia. One major role of
MREPC is to serve as an education and information center focusing
particularly on natural rubber latex gloves to help users better understand
the products they use. The organization works closely with standards
setting and regulatory authorities such as the American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and
with other governmental organizations, and trade, consumer and public
interest groups. For more information on the organization, please visit
www.mrepc.org.