In the past, whether I was cleaning pots, washing vegetables, peeling fruits or doing housework, I used disposable PVC gloves. The quality was not good and they were not very wear-resistant. When the pot was oily, I would get grease on my hands when I was cleaning it. .
So after I used up the last pair and threw it into the trash, I went to the supermarket near my house to pick out housework gloves. I saw that there were quite a few styles, including natural latex, fleece PVC, and Miujie nitrile gloves, all at relatively reasonable prices. They are cheap, so I chose 4 of the more representative ones and compared them when I bought them home to see which one is more suitable for housework.
From left to right they are: Red Sun natural latex gloves, Fresh Life PVC velvet gloves, Miaojie flocked nitrile gloves, Miaojie extended nitrile gloves.
PVC plastic
In fact, I didn’t know until recently that PVC plastic is a toxic product. When the temperature is relatively high, it will release chlorine gas, which can damage the respiratory tract. Moreover, household PVC plastic is flammable and will release carcinogens such as dioxins when burned. Substances, plasticizers, stabilizers, etc. added to change the properties of PVC, contain heavy metals, which have a negative impact on the nervous system and endocrine system, and are more harmful to developing children than adults.
For example, in the winter now, I wear these relatively thick PVC gloves and use hot water to wash dishes, because PVC will decompose when heated and produce odor. Some of the harmful substances are attached to the surface of the tableware, and some are inhaled into the lungs. Moreover, gloves made of PVC are slightly less elastic and have poor breathability, making them prone to sweating after being worn for a long time. Nowadays, the household industry is promoting a plastic-free life, so PVC gloves can still be used as little as possible.
Natural latex
The main raw material of this kind of gloves is latex, which is relatively elastic, soft and can be stretched. However, the smell is quite strong, which I can’t accept. However, the packaging was sealed before buying, so I can’t smell it. Then it ages faster and breaks easily. In addition, according to the knowledge I have learned, natural latex is relatively expensive. It is completely unknown how much natural latex can be contained in a product like gloves that can be bought for just a few dollars. The rest are additives.
Nitrile
Nitrile is actually a kind of synthetic rubber. Its wear resistance and flexibility are much better than latex. It has no peculiar smell and no additives are used in its production, so it can be in direct contact with food. Moreover, this material is environmentally friendly. It can biodegrade and is much easier to handle than plastic.
Judging from the characteristics of these three materials, I think nitrile is safer and more suitable for family life and housework.