FDA Proposes Ban on Powdered Surgical Gloves, Powdered Exam Gloves and Glove-Lubricating Powder

All of us have wondered what that powdery stuff is in white latex gloves.  Now we have an answer.

It is bad stuff.

The Food & Drug Administration issued a proposed rule today asking that powdered gloves be banned for use in American healthcare.

The FDA found a substantial risk or illness and injury that cannot be eliminated by a change in labeling (i.e. a warning).

Historically, healthcare professionals have used powder as a lubricant for putting on surgical gloves.  In fact, the use of powder as a lubricant dates back to the late 18th century.  In more recent times, the most common form of powder lubricant used was corn starch.

In the 1930’s concerns arose about the safety of using powdered gloves in surgery.  Yet, it was not until 1997 that the FDA issued their first formal report.

In that report, the FDA said that use of powdered surgical gloves and powdered patient examination gloves could increase the patient’s risk of inflammation and respiratory problems.  Despite those findings, the FDA did not issue a ban on the gloves’ use.

Almost 20 years later, the FDA has decided to propose a ban.  According to the FDA release, the proposed ban applies to:

1. Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves;
2. Powdered Patient Examination Gloves; and
3. Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Glove.

This proposed ban comes weeks after a jury returned a $72 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson related to the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.

The product liability attorneys of The Parian Law Firm, LLC work every day to ensure products are safe.  That job is taken seriously.  Without clients coming forward to tell us of their problems with products, we would not be able to get the attention of corporate America.

It is our honor to make your voice heard.