Nail technicians must understand that standard EN ISO 374:2016 glove testing is inadequate for protecting against common industry chemicals. Expert Robert Giblett highlights that this standard, which tests 18 chemicals, does not include acrylates or methacrylates. These ingredients, crucial for gel and acrylic products, are known to cause severe allergies in nail professionals.
Research shows thin nitrile gloves offer minimal protection, with acrylates penetrating in 3-5 minutes and acetone degrading them in under one minute. Even hand movement reduces glove effectiveness by 30%. This data contradicts the assurances offered by widely available disposable gloves.
While neoprene gloves offer the best disposable protection for 20+ minutes against acrylates, nitrile remains a common choice for general tasks. Professionals must change nitrile gloves frequently, ideally every 30 minutes or after each client, to maintain any protective barrier.
Recognising the limitations of standard testing and glove materials is vital. Symptoms like tingling, burning, or redness signal that protection has failed. Immediate glove changes are necessary if any irritation occurs or gloves become contaminated or torn.
The financial and personal cost of developing a chemical allergy is immense, often leading to career changes. Investing in thicker, more appropriate gloves for specific tasks, rather than relying solely on standard disposable options, offers better long-term protection.
