Cornstarch powder is often added to latex gloves to make them easier to put on and take off.

This powder adsorbs the NRL proteins (allergens) during the manufacturing process.

When gloves are put on and taken off, the small particles of powder are transported into the atmosphere (aerosolized), taking the NRL proteins with them. Click here for a picture of latex gloves.

In this way, everyone in the immediate area is exposed to the latex proteins by breathing them in.

The airborne latex particles may also be transferred to other areas of a building through the air circulation systems.

In addition, they may land on people’s clothes or hair and so be carried to other places.

Powdered latex gloves can increase the risk or worsen the effects of an allergic reaction, and in 1998 the UK Medical Devices Agency issued a Safety Notice about this (1).

Nowadays, most healthcare organisations in the UK use non-powdered latex gloves.

Powdered gloves, however, continue to be widely used in non-healthcare settings, e.g. in hairdressing salons, garages and restaurants.

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