Did you know that the nitrile glove industry will be worth around $53 billion by 2032? This shows how popular these gloves are and that their popularity will only continue to increase. Latex gloves are also very popular, and both types are used across various industries.
But what is the shelf life of nitrile and latex gloves? Can these gloves expire, or will they last forever? Keep reading and learn more about the shelf life of these gloves.
The Shelf Life of Nitrile and Latex Gloves
Suppose you find some old medical gloves that have been sitting around in your office for years. Should you put these gloves on and use them as usual? They may look fine, but they may not function as well as they should.
Using old gloves may become a hazard. The exact shelf life of your gloves will depend on various factors. It will depend on what the gloves are made of.
It will also depend on how the gloves were stored. Latex gloves should only last around 3 years. Latex is a natural material taken from the rubber tree.
Latex gloves that are older than 3 years will start losing their flexibility. They may become more brittle and be more likely to break when putting them on or using them. Nitrile gloves last around 5 years.
They last longer than latex gloves because they are synthetic. The same problems will affect nitrile gloves after they pass their expiration date. They will start to lose their flexibility and be more likely to tear.
This can be hazardous when using these gloves in the food industry. Pieces of nitrile or latex could end up in the food. People might swallow these pieces by accident.
Tears are also dangerous in the medical field. A tear in the gloves will expose your hands which may then contaminate a patient. This is especially bad during surgery and other invasive procedures.
What You Need to Know
But there are exceptions to the lifespan of these gloves. Some gloves can last as long as a decade and still be useful. But this is only concerning gloves that have remained in their packages all that time.
Gloves that are removed from their packages may not be stored properly. This makes it more likely that they have deteriorated over the years. This is because they may have been exposed to moisture, sunlight, dust, insects, and other contaminants.
You can often tell what condition the gloves are in by looking at them. If the gloves look faded and brittle, they probably are. If the gloves look good and sturdy, they likely have been stored properly.
But you should still be wary of using gloves that are past their shelf life. While they might be fine, there is a chance that they will break more easily. This is not something you want to risk when engaging in an important task like surgery.
It may be okay if you plan on using them for something less important, like cleaning. If the gloves break, nothing terrible will happen.
How to Store Your Gloves
Learning how to store your gloves is important for prolonging their shelf life. This is significant if you bought disposable gloves in bulk. You don’t want your entire supply of gloves to go bad because you stored them improperly.
You need to keep your gloves out of direct sunlight. Do not put them near windows or sunny areas. The sun’s UV rays are very harmful and can break apart latex or nitrile gloves on a molecular level.
This fades the color of the gloves and makes them brittle. You should also not store your gloves in hot or warm areas. They should always be in a location that is less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
High temperatures can cause these gloves to melt or stick together. This would ruin their elasticity and structure. It may make the gloves impossible to put on as well.
Keeping the gloves in their original packaging is ideal. The original packaging will keep the gloves in a safe little pocket. This keeps the elements like moisture away from the gloves.
The Details
Only open the packaging when it’s time to use the gloves. Keeping the gloves out of the packet for long periods will make it more likely that the gloves will become contaminated or damaged.
It is best if you put your gloves someplace, like a cabinet or drawer. These areas are cool and dark. This will protect the gloves from hot temperatures, the sun, and other factors.
Keep the gloves from anything that generates ozone too. Ozone can be damaging to both nitrile and latex gloves. Certain lightbulbs like fluorescent lights, may generate this substance.
Certain lights can produce heat too. This is another reason why it is good to put your gloves in a drawer or cupboard. Keep them away from items that may generate heat, like your computer or radiator.
Storing your gloves properly will increase their shelf life. They might remain fresh and useful well beyond their shelf life. This will save not only the gloves but your money too.
The Shelf Life of Disposable Gloves
Nitrile and latex gloves won’t last forever. Latex gloves last around 3 years, while nitrile gloves last around 5. You can keep your gloves in good shape for many years if you store them properly.
This means keeping them away from the sun and hot temperatures. If you need disposable nitrile or latex gloves, check out our selection.
