Vivianlea,

Latex and nirtile are not the same materials.

The following is the definition of Nitrile from CAMEO (Conservation and Art Materials Encyclopedia Online - from the MFA.ORG web site):

 "nitrile rubber

A family of synthetic rubbers made by polymerizing acrylonitrile with butadiene. Nitrile rubbers (NBR), first made in the 1940s, are noted for their resistance to oils and solvents. They are used for gloves, gaskets, hoses, shoe soles, kitchen mats, printing rolls, and food-wrapping films. Some NBR is blended with polyvinyl chloride to increase flexibility. With age, nitrile rubbers can oxidize and become brittle. "

I do remember reading a posting on the ConsDist list last year about a conservator discovering that some nitrile gloves contained PVC's (Poly Vinyl Chlorides) which can be detremental to museum objects. It's always best to check with the manufacturer to  see if they have added pvc's to the polymer used in the gloves.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

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