Dusting powder is an important component in many finished disposable glove products. But because of the adverse health effects it can cause, work environments are increasingly going powder-free.

Powder performs as a lubricant, making it easy to don and remove latex gloves. It also keeps the gloves from sticking together inside the box for easier dispensing. Plus, powder helps prevent decay so latex gloves will last longer.

However, many latex gloves used in health care settings and elsewhere are coated with cornstarch powder. Unfortunately, this powder binds the allergenic proteins from the gloves and when they are put on or removed, particles of latex protein powder become aerosolized and can be inhaled or absorbed though the skin.

When the powder comes in contact with an open wound it produces a "foreign-body" reaction. As a result, patients can develop complications associated with healing, such as intestinal obstructions, abdominal pain or peritonitis. Cornstarch powder has been reported to have been found on items such as sutures, instrument tips, and at the wound/incision sites, even though no visual sign was present.

Powder also can cause a variety of problems for people with latex allergies, which represents 8 to 12 percent of healthcare workers, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Powder on latex gloves acts as an airborne carrier of natural latex allergens. It can affect the skin, eyes, mouth, nose, throat, lungs and heart, leading to skin irritations, itching, pain, shock and even death in severe cases.

Alternatives to Using Powder
Clearly, using powder-free disposable latex gloves can minimize latex-related irritations and allergies. Going powderless requires research, planning and a systematic approach to implementation. Once a change is made, encourage people to stick to it and avoid the temptation to revert to older, more comfortable ways.

Currently, there are a number of alternatives available to reduce potential health risks for glove wearers and patients. Manufactures are creating more non-latex, powder-free gloves that offer protection comparable to latex varieties.

Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended a reduction in the amount of powder manufactures are allowed to use in gloves. As a result, glove manufactures are producing "lightly lined" product options. Currently, a medium-size glove contains anywhere from 120 to 400 mg of powder, depending on the manufacturer.

Although the majority of disposable medical gloves used in the U.S. are powdered, adding powder to gloves isn’t really necessary. Instead, polymer-coated gloves can be used to facilitate glove donning with either dry or damp hands.

Replacing Cornstarch with Chlorination
Glove manufacturers also are using alternatives to dusting powder to lubricate natural latex gloves. Chlorination is the most common method. Chlorine reacts with the natural rubber latex surface to reduce the natural "tackiness", eliminating the need for adding dusting powder. Plus, the extra washing done during the chlorination process provides the added benefit of reducing the level of soluble natural latex proteins. However, chlorination does affect some of the mechanical and physical properties.

DonTheGlove.com offers high quality powder-free disposable latex gloves.