How to Interpret Permeation Test Results for Chemical Resistant Gloves

What permeation test data actually measures

Permeation test data describes how a glove material behaves when it comes into contact with chemicals, by measuring the diffusion of substances through the material at a molecular level. 

These results come from tests performed in accordance with the European standard EN 16523-1:2015+A1:2018. Under these controlled laboratory conditions, the outer surface of the glove is exposed to a liquid chemical, while the inner side is continuously monitored for any trace of the substance. This makes it possible to determine how long it takes for chemical molecules to pass through the material, even when no visible change can be observed.

In practice, permeation occurs at a microscopic level and cannot be detected by visual inspection. A glove may appear intact while already allowing chemicals to diffuse through it. This is why permeation test data is essential when assessing chemical resistance, as it provides information that goes beyond the glove’s physical integrity alone.

Breakthrough time: a key decision parameter

Breakthrough time is one of the main outputs of permeation testing. It corresponds to the point at which a chemical is first detected on the inner surface of the glove material.

According to EN 16523-1:2015+A1:2018, breakthrough is defined at a standardised permeation rate of
 1 μg/cm²/min. This common threshold makes it possible to compare different glove materials when exposed to specific chemicals.

However, breakthrough time should not be seen as an intrinsic property of the glove alone. It reflects the interaction between a given material and a specific chemical.

As a result, breakthrough time is best understood as a chemical-specific parameter. It helps compare materials, but only when considered alongside the actual conditions of use, such as the type of exposure and the application requirements..

In practice, breakthrough time should be used as a decision-support indicator, not as a standalone result.

Why breakthrough time matters for glove selection

Breakthrough time is a key parameter obtained from permeation testing. It indicates how long a glove can resist a specific chemical before it is first detected on the inner surface.

However, this value should not be interpreted as a fixed guarantee of protection. It always needs to be considered in relation to the actual conditions of use. Under real conditions, several factors can influence the level of protection provided by a glove, including the duration of exposure, the type of contact with the chemical and the working environment.

For example, a glove with a breakthrough time of 60 minutes under EN 16523-1:2015+A1:2018 conditions may offer shorter protection in real situations, especially in the presence of higher temperatures, repeated contact or mechanical stress.

As such, breakthrough time is best used as a comparative indicator rather than an absolute value, and should always be combined with a broader risk assessment.

To support this evaluation, detailed chemical compatibility data can be used, such as the SHIELD Scientific Chemical Resistance Guide, which provides substance-specific breakthrough times together with  degradation* information.

Interpreting permeation data in a laboratory context

To illustrate how permeation test results should be interpreted, consider a common laboratory scenario involving solvent handling.

A laboratory technician is using acetone 99.8% to clean glassware. According to permeation test data, their nitrile gloves show a breakthrough time of 10 minutes under EN 16523-1:2015+A1:2018 conditions. At first glance, this may suggest that the gloves provide sufficient protection for tasks lasting up to ten minutes.

However, under real conditions, the task involves short but repeated contacts with the solvent, combined with manual handling and ambient temperatures higher than standard test conditions.

In this situation, relying only on the reported breakthrough time may lead to an overestimation of protection. A more appropriate approach would be to select a glove material with higher resistance to acetone, or to reduce exposure by changing gloves more frequently.

This example shows that permeation data must always be interpreted in context, rather than applied directly from laboratory conditions to real working environments.

Performance levels are not sufficient

Permeation performance levels are commonly used to classify gloves based on their breakthrough time under standardised conditions. While this makes comparison easier, these classifications do not reflect the complexity of real working environments.

In practice, performance levels can mask significant differences in chemical resistance. Two gloves with the same classification may behave very differently depending on the substance they are exposed to.

For this reason, relying only on performance levels or EN ISO 374 classifications such as Type A, B or C is not sufficient for selecting appropriate chemical protection. Exact breakthrough times for the specific chemical involved should always be considered to support informed decision making.

Permeation, penetration and degradation: a comprehensive approach to risk interpretation

Permeation is only one aspect of chemical resistance and should always be considered alongside penetration and degradation when assessing glove performance.

Penetration refers to the passage of chemicals through physical defects such as holes or imperfections in the material, while degradation describes the changes in the glove material following chemical exposure. These different mechanisms can interact and influence the overall level of protection.

For example, chemical degradation may weaken the material, making it more susceptible to permeation or to mechanical failure. Similarly, a glove that performs well in permeation testing may still be unsuitable if it does not provide sufficient resistance to penetration.

When assessing glove performance, a combined evaluation of all three mechanisms is required, taking into account the specific conditions of use.

Using permeation data for glove selection

Permeation test results provide a useful basis for comparing gloves, but they must always be interpreted in relation to the actual conditions of use.

When selecting chemical-resistant gloves, several factors should be considered:

• the exact chemical or mixture being handled
• the expected duration and frequency of exposure
• the type of contact, such as full immersion or splash exposure
• the working environment, including temperature and mechanical stress

Because no glove provides universal protection against all chemicals, selection should always be based on substance-specific data.

To support this process, detailed chemical compatibility information can be consulted, such as the SHIELD Scientific Chemical Resistance Guide.

Using the SHIELD Scientific Chemical Resistance Guide

The SHIELD Scientific Chemical Resistance Guide helps translate permeation and degradation* data into practical information for glove selection.

It allows users to search by chemical name or CAS number, compare different SHIELD Scientific gloves and access detailed breakthrough times for specific substances. This level of detail supports more accurate and substance-specific selection decisions.

By linking laboratory test results with real application requirements, the guide makes it easier to interpret permeation data in a practical context, both for laboratory and industrial use.

Linking permeation data to risk assessment

Permeation test results should always be considered as part of a broader risk assessment, rather than used in isolation.

This includes identifying the hazardous properties of the chemical, evaluating potential exposure routes and assessing the duration and frequency of tasks. In practice, additional factors such as mechanical risks or environmental conditions also need to be taken into account.

Protective gloves act as the final barrier against chemical exposure, and their effectiveness depends on correct selection, use and replacement.

Within this context, permeation data is best understood as one element within an overall approach to chemical risk management.

Key takeaways on interpreting permeation test results

• Permeation is a molecular process that can occur without any visible damage
• Breakthrough time is the main parameter used to compare chemical resistance
• Laboratory test results do not fully reflect real working conditions
• Performance levels alone are not sufficient for glove selection
• Reliable decisions require chemical-specific data combined with a broader risk assessment