Dangers of ethidium bromide... - (Sep/05/2006 )

Hi

Probably a daft question, but I just wanted to ask, what type of gloves do the majority of you normally wear when handling EtBr gels/in buffer or whatever??? Does anyone know if EtBr permeates through latex gloves? Is it better to wear nitrile gloves/some other option?

Thanks!

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I wear regular latex gloves, as far as I know it doesn't permeate. I've worked in several labs where they have used latex gloves. Some people have used no gloves at all....

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As far as I know, Latex gloves are EtBr-permeable. That's why I've been using Nitrile gloves since I've started working in the lab. But then again: I know people who don't wear gloves at all, because some reports say that handling EtBr is not so dangerous. But I think that there's no harm in protecting myself from possible damage.

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I'm with Jou. Latex gloves are EtBr-permeable and are being phased-out in a majority of universities and private enterprises.

Wear nitrile gloves, they are more protective and less irritating.

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Wow, do yourself a favour and change your habits! EtBr penetrates latex much faster than nitril gloves. Out of 100 university safety departements 99 strongly recommend nitril gloves for EtBr (some even recommend double gloves). I never saw a single lab where people used latex gloves for that.

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Wear nitril, agree with anyone here who says that latex are permeable to EtBr.

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Since we are scientists, we need proof and not speculations. I have never read on a peer reviewed paper that EtBr penetrates the gloves

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You have also never been hit by a large bus I suspect, but you know it's going to hurt - a lot!

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or you may not feel a thing (anymore).

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Ethidium Bromide is not easily absorbed through the skin because of the polar charge.

Wash your hands and try to wear nitrile gloves, if you can.

Personally, I use latex and wash hands after use.

-Matt

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