Skin exposure to the rubber accelerator diphenylguanidine in medical gloves ‐ an experimental study

Background

Dermatitis caused by occupational contact allergy to rubber additives like diphenylguanidine (DPG) in medical gloves is a hazard in healthcare workers. The exposure time to medical gloves as well as the number of gloves used per day vary. Use of alcoholic skin disinfectants before glove donning is mandatory.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess if skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG released from glove material is influenced by alcoholic hand disinfectants, time and pH.

Methods

By ethanol wash, the amount of DPG left on hands after wearing gloves for 60 minutes was measured and comparisons between hands exposed and not exposed to alcoholic disinfectant before glove donning were made. Using artificial sweat buffered at pH 4, 5, and 6, DPG release from the inside of gloves at different times was measured.

Results

Alcoholic disinfectant prior to polyisoprene glove donning increased the amount of DPG recovered from hands. Of the DPG released from polyisoprene gloves into artificial sweat almost 84% was released within 10 minutes. pH did not influence the rate of release.

Conclusions

Alcoholic disinfectant increased the skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG. Even short time use of gloves implies substantial exposure to DPG.

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