The use of powder to lubricate gloves dates back to the late eighteenth century. However, as early as the 1930’s concerns were being mentioned about the safety of using powder.
Corn starch is the most common powder used in today’s surgical gloves and patient examination gloves.
In 1997, the FDA issued a report stating that the use of powdered gloves in medical care could cause inflammation to the patient. In addition, the FDA found that particles in the air from such powdered gloves could cause respiratory distress. Despite these findings, the FDA thought it best to not issue a ban on the use of powder at that time.
Now almost twenty years later, and after numerous petitions from citizens affected by the use of powder, the FDA has issued this proposed ban of:
- Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves;
- Powdered Patient Examination Gloves; and
- Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Glove.
It is not lost on us at The Parian Law Firm, LLC that this proposed ban comes a little over a month since a jury returned a $72 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson related to the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer.
Our product liability attorneys work every day to ensure that the products we use are safe. That job is taken very seriously. Without clients coming forward to tell us of their problems with a product, we would not be able to get the attention of corporate America.
It is our honor to make your voice heard.
