FDA moves to ban most powdered surgical gloves

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials are moving to ban most surgical gloves made with powder, a feature designed to make them easier to wear, but which actually poses health risks to patients and health professionals.

The Food and Drug Administration said Monday that the powder added to some latex gloves can cause breathing problems, wound inflammation, and scar tissue on internal organs when used during surgery.

Public Citizen, the consumer watchdog group, petitioned the FDA to ban powdered gloves in 1998, citing allergic reactions caused by cornstarch powder used in most brands.

The FDA says its proposal on surgical gloves is based on extensive review of scientific literature and public comments, which it began collecting in 2011.