Final answer:
Toxoplasmosis is a serious risk for pregnant women when exposed to cat feces, which is why they are advised to use gloves or avoid litter box cleaning. Gloves serve as protective barriers in various scenarios, such as handling hazardous materials, glass, and high-power electric circuits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pregnant women should avoid cleaning their cat's litter box or do so with protective gloves because of the risk of contracting an infection known as toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be present in cat feces, and the infection can cause serious health problems for an unborn baby, including birth defects and miscarriage. Using gloves helps to prevent direct contact with the feces and the potential spread of the parasite. It is just one example of why people wear protective gloves: they provide a barrier against biohazards, chemicals, and other substances that may cause harm.
Wearing gloves is also important in various other circumstances, such as when handling broken glass to avoid cuts, when working with certain chemicals to prevent skin exposure, or when dealing with biological samples to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination. In electrical works, gloves might be needed when handling high-power electric circuits to protect against electric shocks. Likewise, in a laboratory setting, gloves and other safety attire like goggles or aprons are crucial for safety and preventing cross-contamination during experiments.