The gloves are turned inside out when removed from the forms, thus the protein-laden, powdered surface becomes the inside of the glove, eventually coming in contact with the skin. This latex and cornstarch combination may have the potential to induce allergic reactions. Depending on the air quality and the air exchange rate, protein-laden powder particles may be aerosolized and possibly deposited throughout a building. In high glove use areas, allergenic latex particles are spread throughout the hospital by the ventilation system. Cornstarch powder granules are 1 to 3 microns in diameter and are respirable, explaining how they could both sensitize and provoke respiratory allergic reactions.
Few people are allergic to cornstarch itself.
Latex protein antigens adsorbed by the cornstarch powder in surgical gloves have caused Type I - Immediate Hypersensitivity reactions. Some have suggested that body sweat inside a glove or hand creams can also make proteins more readily absorbed by the wearer. Cornstarch is also used on synthetic gloves to make donning and doffing easier. Since synthetic gloves do not contain allergenic proteins, using power with these gloves does not create any adverse conditions at either the dermal or respiratory route of entry. In its 1999 standard, the NFPA specifies that EMS gloves must pass viral penetration testing, rubber flexibility testing, puncture testing and dexterity testing.