In the past, powdered disposable gloves were considered standard – today they are even prohibited in many areas. BISON consistently focuses on powder-free nitrile gloves – and does so out of conviction. In this article, you’ll learn why powder is problematic, what advantages powder-free gloves offer, and what this specifically means for users.
What Does the Powder Do – and Where’s the Problem?
The powder in gloves (usually cornstarch) was previously used to facilitate putting on and taking off. However, it poses significant risks, especially in medical and hygiene-critical environments:
- Spread of particles in the air → increased risk of cross-contamination
- Carrier for allergens (e.g., latex proteins) → promotes Type I allergies
- Irritation of skin and mucous membranes
- Contamination of instruments or sensitive materials
This is why the use of powdered gloves in medical areas has been prohibited in the EU for years (according to the Medical Device Act MDR).
Why Powder-Free Gloves are the Better Choice
Powder-free disposable gloves:
- do not cause dust pollution
- are more allergy-friendly
- protect people and products
- can still be comfortably put on and taken off with modern production
- meet the current requirements of hospitals, laboratories, industry, and food processing
How BISON Compensates for the Absence of Powder
In the past, powder facilitated putting on and taking off – today, material quality takes over this role: BISON gloves are made from high-quality, elastic nitrile that is easy to put on – even without additives. The inner structure is optimized and additionally coated with a skin-friendly wax layer, so that no powder is necessary to ensure comfort and functionality.
A Small Difference with a Big Impact
What seems like a technical detail has great significance: For hygiene processes, allergy prevention, product safety, and work comfort. That’s why all BISON gloves are powder-free – as standard, out of conviction, and for the benefit of users.
Further Reading
Allergy risk from disposable gloves – what you should know – Read now
Nitrile vs. Latex – the pros and cons at a glance – Read now
Sources further Information
Medical Device Regulation (MDR) / EU Directives
Powdered gloves are no longer permitted for medical use
Robert Koch Institute – Hand hygiene PPE
Recommendations for using powder-free gloves
To RKI website https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/Pr%C3%A4vention/Hygiene/Haendehygiene/Haendehygiene_node.html
BAuA / TRGS 401 – Skin contact PPE
Information on skin-friendly materials additives
To TRGS 401
https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Regelwerk/TRGS/TRGS-401