FDA proposes to ban most powdered medical gloves

摘要

The FDA is proposing to ban most powdered gloves in the US because they pose health risks to patients and healthcare workers. Although powder is used to make it easier to put gloves on and take them off, the FDA says the powder added to some rubber latex gloves can carry proteins that may cause respiratory allergic reactions and are associated with potentially serious adverse events. The proposed ban, which will apply to powdered surgeon's gloves, powdered patient examination gloves and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon's glove, is not expected to have much impact on glove supplies or manufacturer sales, according to government research. Most powdered gloves have already been phased out and their use is in decline, the FDA says.