Residual accelerator chemicals in medical gloves appear to be a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis in health care workers. A new ASTM International standard allows rubber glove manufacturers to monitor the level of residual chemicals in their end products and to potentially make manufacturing changes to reduce allergen levels.

The new standard, D7558, Test Method for Colorimetric/Spectrophotometric Procedure to Quantify Extractable Chemical Dialkyldithiocarbamate, Thiuram, and Mercaptobenzothiazole Accelerators in Natural Rubber Latex and Nitrile Gloves, was developed by Subcommittee D11.40 on Consumer Rubber Products, part of ASTM International Committee D11 on Rubber.

“The reason this standard is important is because there is a continuing problem of allergic reactions to medical gloves,” says Beezhold. “This test should help manufacturers monitor and lower residual levels in their products.”    

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