Physical Phenomena Facilitating the Penetration of Solutions of TiO2 Nanoparticles through Protective Gloves

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are found in numerous manufactured products such as sunscreens and paints. Nevertheless, some studies have expressed concern about their likely harmful effects on health. Application of the precautionary principle has led to the recommendation for the use of protective gloves by numerous Health & Safety agencies. However, recent work has shown that solutions of nTiO2 can penetrate the protective materials of gloves under conditions simulating occupational use. This study has been designed to identify some of the physical phenomena that may facilitate the penetration of nTiO2 through elastomer membranes subjected to mechanical deformations (such as those produced by flexing the hand). Nitrile rubber and latex gloves were brought into contact with two solutions of nTiO2. Mechanical deformations were applied to samples of protective gloves during their exposure to nanoparticles. Repetitive mechanical deformations affected both the physical and mechanical properties of protective materials. Moreover, the elastomers used in protective gloves were also shown to be sensitive to the action of the nTiO2 solutions. Elastomer swelling was observed, leading to a modification of the mechanical and chemical properties of the gloves.