Health Research Group Asks FDA to Ban Latex Surgical and Examination Gloves

Public Citizen Health Research Group submitted a petition on April 25 asking the FDA to ban surgical and patient examination gloves containing cornstarch powder, according to an Occupational Health & Safety report.

According to the report, the petition also requests that the FDA ban all natural latex surgical and patient examination gloves. The petition says that the bans are necessary to alleviate the serious threat posed to patients and healthcare workers by latex surgical gloves.

The group submitted a previous petition in 1999 that was rejected by the FDA. In denying the 1999 petition, the FDA cited an estimated $64 million increase in annual costs to healthcare facilities, among other reasons. Public Citizen says the reasons from 10 years ago are no longer valid and cites "many incidents of allergic reactions" to latex gloves.

Read the Occupational Health & Safety report on the petition on surgical gloves.

Related Articles on Medical Supplies:
New Purchasing Group in New England Aims for Up to 12% Savings
Amerinet Names Canonsburg General Hospital Recipient of Healthcare Achievement Award
Johns Hopkins da Vinci Robot Excels at 'Operation' Game

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Webinars

Featured Whitepapers