This is not the time to let your guard down when purchasing nitrile gloves.

Last month, the FBI arrested an individual alleged to have taken victims for nearly $3 million in upfront deposits for nitrile gloves said to be in a Los Angeles warehouse, instead using the money for lavish personal purchases. The gloves were never delivered. https://bit.ly/FBINitrileGloveArrest

Even when “nitrile” gloves are being delivered, they may not be the real thing.

For example, some gloves labeled as “Nitrile” appear instead to be vinyl-nitrile blends. Such PVC based gloves typically contain less than 5% nitrile. By contrast, quality nitrile gloves are made from upwards of 98% nitrile rubber. The performance of these two types of gloves can be vastly different.

As an example, these videos show a comparison of competitive gloves labeled as “NITRILE” to an Elara nitrile glove brand. Do you see a difference?

Why does this matter? An end-user that requires the protection of nitrile and unknowingly uses a vinyl-based glove could end up harmed. The reputation of a distributor selling the glove can be injured as well.

Our advice:

• The best way to protect yourself is to buy gloves from a well-established and reputable importer. Even so, you should inspect what’s in your warehouse as an added measure. Nitrile gloves are still expensive and you want to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.
• If you are shopping around, get samples before you buy. Some sellers are emailing what appear to be nitrile glove inspection reports and certificates that may not be valid. Don’t let reports lull you into bypassing hands-on sampling and testing procedures.

With some knowledge, a little common sense, and additional due-diligence measures, costly nitrile glove buying mistakes can be avoided.