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Understanding the Hazards of Glove Powder
According to the American Hospital Association, there are over 5,000 registered
hospitals in the United States, serving a population of nearly 300 million. There
are more than 3 million healthcare workers (HCWs) listed by the National Center
for Health Statistics and other government agencies. One of the elements common
to this group is the need for protection from blood-borne pathogens. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) as part of Standard Precautions. Sterile and non-sterile surgical
and examination gloves have become a part of the everyday life of HCWs. In 2001,
over 20 billion pairs of gloves were sold in the U.S. (Charous, 2002).
The increased use of gloves among HCWs exposes this group and their patients to
the risks of natural rubber latex (NRL) sensitivities. Much has been written in
the last 15 years about glove sensitivity issues. Immediate Type I Latex Allergy,
Delayed Type IV reaction, and Irritant Contact Dermatitis have all been discussed
in the literature. The role of glove powder(s) has also been an important consideration
when making gloving decisions. Glove powders have been determined to play a causative
role in latex allergies, occupational allergies, surgical adhesions, and granuloma,
as well as other conditions (Beezhold, 1992, and Charous, 2002). As more healthcare
professionals recognize the ramifications of glove choices, the issue of powder
in their practices and environments is leading more decision-makers to choose powder-free
gloves. Many professional organizations and significant research support this decision.
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