Even if the brand is different, expired latex gloves generally exhibit the following distinct characteristics:
Changes in appearance and colour
New latex gloves are typically off-white or pale yellow in colour with a uniform texture. However, after expiry, factors such as oxidation and exposure to light cause the colour to darken gradually, turning yellowish. In severe cases, brown or black spots or patches may appear.
Changes in texture and tactile feel
• Hardening and brittleness: During the ageing process, the polymer chains in latex break down and cross-link, causing the gloves to harden and become brittle, losing their original softness and elasticity. When stretched, they may not elongate properly, and even a slight bend may cause cracks, making them unable to fit snugly around the hand and affecting normal use.
• Stickiness: Some expired latex gloves may develop a sticky surface due to the decomposition of components in the latex, producing adhesive substances. When touched, the gloves may adhere to the hands, not only impairing the user experience but also easily attracting dust and impurities.
Significant decline in protective performance
• Reduced waterproofing capability: Gloves that were originally effective at blocking liquids and chemicals from penetrating become porous and develop larger pores after expiry. When exposed to water, acidic or alkaline solutions, or organic solvents, liquids can more easily penetrate the gloves, failing to provide adequate protection and increasing the risk of hand contamination or corrosion.
• Failed microbial barrier: Latex gloves used in medical and food handling fields lose their ability to block bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms after expiry, failing to ensure a safe and hygienic operating environment and increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Abnormal odour
New latex gloves have a faint latex odour, while expired gloves often emit a pungent, unpleasant odour. This is due to the production of certain irritating decomposition products during the latex ageing process.
Can expired latex gloves pose a health risk to humans?
Expired latex gloves may pose certain health risks to humans, primarily in the following aspects:
• Direct harm due to loss of protective function: After expiry, the material of latex gloves ages, leading to hardening, brittleness, and cracking, resulting in a significant decline in protective properties such as acid/alkali resistance and puncture resistance. When handling chemical reagents or sharp objects, leaks or tears may occur, causing hand corrosion, cuts, or exposure to harmful microorganisms, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
• Increased risk of allergies: Latex itself may cause allergies in some people, and expired gloves, due to material degradation, may release more allergenic substances (such as latex protein degradation products), making it easier to trigger skin allergies when worn, resulting in symptoms such as itching, redness, and rashes, with more severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Risk of microbial contamination: If expired gloves are stored improperly, they may harbour bacteria, mould, and other microorganisms, especially gloves that are not packaged in sterile conditions. When worn, these microorganisms may come into contact with the skin or enter the operating environment (such as food processing or medical settings), increasing the risk of infection or contamination.
Therefore, for safety reasons, expired latex gloves are not recommended for continued use, especially in high-risk environments such as laboratories, medical settings, or food handling. It is advisable to promptly replace them with qualified gloves.
Post time: Aug-21-2025