Gloves primarily function to protect the hands from various hazards and maintain hygiene.
Here's a breakdown of the functions:
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Protection from Germs and Contaminants: Gloves act as a barrier, preventing direct contact with germs, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. This is crucial in medical settings, food handling, and sanitation tasks. As noted in the reference, they "help keep your hands clean and lessen your chance of getting germs that can make you sick." They are essential when touching blood, bodily fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin, regardless of a patient's apparent health.
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Physical Protection: Gloves shield hands from physical hazards such as abrasions, cuts, punctures, burns, extreme temperatures, and impacts. Different materials offer varying degrees of protection, like heavy-duty leather gloves for construction or heat-resistant gloves for cooking.
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Chemical Protection: Specialized gloves made of materials like nitrile, latex, or neoprene protect hands from harmful chemicals, solvents, and corrosive substances. This is vital in laboratories, manufacturing plants, and cleaning services.
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Maintaining Hygiene and Preventing Cross-Contamination: In food preparation and healthcare, gloves are critical for preventing cross-contamination between surfaces, objects, and people. They help maintain a sterile environment and ensure food safety.
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Improving Grip and Dexterity: Some gloves are designed to enhance grip and dexterity, which is especially useful in sports (e.g., baseball gloves, golf gloves) or tasks requiring precision (e.g., surgical gloves).
In summary, the function of gloves is multifaceted, encompassing protection from biological, physical, and chemical hazards, as well as maintaining hygiene and improving dexterity depending on the specific type of glove.
