When handling paper documents, which type of gloves is preferable to avoid contamination?

Using white cotton gloves is advisable when handling paper documents to avoid contamination. Cotton gloves are better suited for protecting delicate surfaces, such as paper, from the natural oils and moisture on your fingers that can lead to degradation over time. This is particularly important in forensic contexts where preserving the integrity of evidence is paramount.

These gloves also limit the risk of smudging any writing or prints on the paper, ensuring that evidence remains intact and unaltered during examination. Unlike plastic gloves, which can generate static electricity that may attract dust and debris, or latex gloves, which might leave marks, cotton gloves provide a safe and neutral way to handle fragile materials. Furthermore, they are also breathable, so they help in reducing the moisture build-up that could potentially harm delicate documents.

Overall, the choice of white cotton gloves reflects a commitment to maintaining the condition and purity of paper documents in various investigative and archival settings.