The development of a glove to protect hands finds it's beginnings in the medical industry. The tight, secure fit of disposable latex gloves offers users a more sensitive feel and touch. Of course, the most basic purpose hasn't changed since the 1800s -- protection for the hands. Here are some of the industries that make latex glove use a part of normal operating procedures.

Health Care

Healthcare professionals across the globe rely on disposable gloves. The gloves provide a barrier between skin and biohazardous material. This includes blood, urine, feces, and saliva. They serve the dual purpose of protecting patients from cross-contamination.

Contact with blood and body fluids is not exclusive to health care providers. Many other professions take advantage of the protective nature of latex. These include EMTs, firefighters, first responders, and police officers.

Dental

There are over 700 different types of bacteria inside the typical human mouth. This natural microflora is essential for a healthy oral cavity.

At any one time, there can be 20-100 

billion bacteria inside a typical human mouth. (That's more than the entire Earth's population!) These bacteria are relatively harmless. Yet the possibility of infection still exists if a cut or opening in the skin is present.

Why do dentists and hygienists don latex gloves when examining pearly whites? We just gave you 50 billion reasons.

Veterinary

Ringworm is a very contagious fungal infection. Disposable latex gloves are key to preventing the spread of this common condition.

Tattoo Shops

Some tattoos take hours to design and perfect. This environment opens up the possibilities for exposure.

They can enjoy the flexibility and natural feel of latex gloves. Yet the gloves do not impede their artistry while offering protection.

Food Service

Food preparation is much safer operation since the adoption of disposable latex gloves.

They also benefit food service workers from chapped and dry skin- a result of the need for constant hand washing when gloves are not used regularly.

Auto Repair

Auto technicians risk exposure to a wide variety of toxic chemicals daily. From carb cleaner to engine additives and antifreeze, the chemicals used to keep a vehicle running are harsh on the skin.

Oil and grease covered technicians hands before using disposable gloves became popular. They had to use abrasive materials to remove oil from their hands and under the fingernails.

The protection is beneficial and they do not sacrifice the fine motor skills required to manipulate engine parts.

The Allergy Issue

Disposable latex gloves are made from the natural materials harvested from rubber trees. This biodegradable material contains proteins which carry antigens (or allergy-inducing toxins).

Manufacturers developed chemical procedures to leach out the majority of these antigenic proteins. But allergic reactions still occur. Especially for those constantly exposed to the material.

For that reason, several non-latex gloves exist today. The alternative materials include:

· Nitrile: A material created from the bonding of two substances - acrylonitrile and butadiene. The scientific name is acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Nitrile is a latex-free synthetic compound.

· Vinyl: Made from the same material used to design pipes -- polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A plasticizing chemical, added to give the material, gives it greater flexibility.

Despite the potential for allergic reactions, disposable latex gloves still remain a top choice. When it comes to hand protection, nothing beats latex for its flexibility and durability.

In fact, non-latex gloves have yet to meet their match in the operating room. Replacing the touch-sensitivity and fine motor control allowed by latex is difficult. Other materials cannot compete.