Waterloo Engineering researchers have found that single-use, medical-grade gloves may be safely reused up to 20 times when using certain disinfection methods.
In a recent study of six viral disinfection treatments on two commonly used types of disposable gloves worn for personal protection throughout the pandemic, the researchers discovered that alcohol, UV and heat treatment could allow the reuse of gloves safely up to 20 cycles.
Tizazu Mekonnen, a University of Waterloo chemical engineering professor and lead author of the study, said the team evaluated the effects of disinfecting gloves made from nitrile and ones made from latex with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, dry heat, steam, alcohol, chlorine compounds, and quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly found in disinfectant wipes, sprays and other household cleaners designed to kill germs. [Full story]