"Glove" - what is it, definition of the term
A glove is a protective hand covering made from textiles, leather, rubber, or synthetic polymers, designed to shield the skin from mechanical injury, chemical exposure, temperature extremes, or biological contaminants such as ticks, bugs, lice, and fleas; it fits the palm and fingers, often includes reinforced seams for durability, and may feature tactile enhancements or barrier coatings to maintain dexterity while preventing penetration by harmful agents.
Detailed information
Protective hand coverings designed for contact with arthropod vectors are typically constructed from tightly woven fibers or impermeable membranes. Materials such as nitrile, latex, and reinforced polyethylene provide a barrier against the mouthparts of ticks, biting insects, lice, and fleas. These substances resist puncture and prevent saliva or excreta from reaching the skin, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.
Key characteristics include:
- Puncture resistance: Minimum tensile strength of 200 N per square centimeter, measured according to ASTM D1059, ensures that the exoskeleton of hard‑bodied parasites cannot breach the barrier.
- Chemical durability: Compatibility with repellents (e.g., permethrin, DEET) and disinfectants allows the hand covering to retain integrity after repeated exposure to acaricidal solutions.
- Seam integrity: Double‑stitched or ultrasonic sealed edges eliminate gaps where small arthropods could infiltrate.
- Fit and dexterity: Ergonomic shaping and textured palm surfaces maintain grip while preserving tactile feedback, essential for tasks such as animal grooming or field sampling.
Applications span several sectors:
- Veterinary practice: Hand coverings protect clinicians during examinations of livestock and companion animals that may harbor ectoparasites. Use of disposable nitrile gloves minimizes cross‑contamination between patients.
- Agricultural labor: Workers handling hay, straw, or soil benefit from reinforced gloves that prevent tick attachment while allowing manipulation of tools and equipment.
- Public health fieldwork: Researchers collecting specimens of lice or fleas employ gloves treated with insecticidal coatings to reduce accidental bites and sample contamination.
- Outdoor recreation: Hikers and campers wearing puncture‑proof hand coverings reduce exposure to questing ticks in brushy environments, especially during peak activity periods.
Maintenance protocols dictate that reusable hand coverings undergo thorough washing with antimicrobial soap followed by drying at temperatures exceeding 60 °C. Disposable variants should be discarded after each use to avoid cumulative contamination.
Performance testing confirms that gloves meeting EN 388 Level 4 abrasion resistance and Level 5 cut resistance effectively block the mandibles of common ectoparasites. Selecting a hand covering that aligns with these standards enhances occupational safety when interacting with tick, bug, louse, or flea populations.