These materials can sometimes cause discomfort or even illness. Allergies are not uncommon and are sometimes directly caused by the protective equipment worn by operators. Skin reactions linked to the wearing of latex gloves, for example, are widespread among health professionals. The socio-economic consequences of these illnesses can have a major impact on both the worker and the company, sometimes necessitating adjustments to the workstation or even time off work.

Dermatitis, hives, itching, dry skin, swelling, anaphylactic reactions...  When wearing PPE starts to cause these symptoms, there's only one solution: eviction! Not of the PPE itself, which is essential for worker safety, but of the sensitising agents.

There are also environmental risks: nanoparticles, nanoplastics, the release of harmful toxins when exposed to heat, etc. Some chemicals inevitably have an impact on the environment. 

- Silicone, for example, takes over 500 years to degrade. 
- When incinerated, equipment containing PVC emits VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which accumulate in water, soil and the atmosphere. 

These are all nuisances that end up affecting human beings, and which any company committed to a Corporate Social Responsibility approach wants to reduce.

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