But scientists now say that powder's dust spreads life-threatening latex allergens, strong enough that a few whiffs have sent nurses into shock. A consumer group urged the government yesterday to ban powdered latex gloves. The Food and Drug Administration acknowledged a serious problem and pledged to write rules quickly to minimize the danger, but stopped short of agreeing to a ban. Safer alternatives such as powder-free gloves are easily and currently available.
Experts say thousands of patients are at risk, too.
Most are patients who undergo multiple surgeries, particularly as children. Forty percent to 65 percent of spina bifida patients, for example, have latex allergies. Powdered latex gloves are a serious, unnecessary menace in hospitals and other health care facilities all over the country. Oregon tried to ban powdered gloves after a nurse there died. Glove makers successfully fought the ban, but are facing lawsuits in other states by allergic health-care workers who lost their jobs.