FDA proposes ban on most powdered medical gloves

The Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule that would ban most powdered medical gloves in the United States. According to the agency, aerosolized glove powder on natural rubber latex gloves can carry proteins that may cause respiratory allergic reactions, while powdered synthetic gloves are associated with airway and wound inflammation and post-surgical adhesions, which are bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between internal organs and tissues. The ban would apply to powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered patient examination gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s gloves. “While use of these gloves is decreasing, they pose an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to health care providers, patients and other individuals who are exposed to them, which cannot be corrected through new or updated labeling,” FDA said. The agency does not expect the ban to cause a glove shortage or impact medical practice, noting that many non-powdered protective glove options are available. It will accept comments on the proposed rule for 90 days.