The FDA has formally banned two types of powdered gloves and a glove lubricant Friday, issuing its final ruling on a proposal first announced in March.
The agency outlawed powdered surgeon's gloves and powdered patient examination gloves -- in addition to banning absorbable powder used to lubricate surgeon's gloves -- because they "present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury and that the risk cannot be corrected or eliminated by labeling or a change in labeling." The ruling will go into effect 30 days after the ban notice is published in the Federal Register (scheduled for Monday).
The ruling does not apply to powdered radiographic protection gloves, nor to powder used to manufacture non-powdered gloves, or to use with other medical devices (such as condoms).
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