Powdered latex examination gloves are disposable, natural rubber latex gloves dusted inside with cornstarch powder to absorb sweat and make them easier to put on and take off. While widely sold in Kenya for general clinical, laboratory, cleaning, and food-handling tasks, they carry major health and regulatory caveats compared to powder-free alternatives.
Important Health & Safety Considerations
Although powdered gloves are inexpensive and quick to put on, global health bodies and regulators have restricted or banned them in clinical settings due to specific safety risks:
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Airborne Latex Allergies. Cornstarch powder binds to natural rubber latex proteins. When gloves are snapped on or removed, the powder becomes airborne and can trigger respiratory inflammation or severe allergic reactions in both staff and patients.
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Wound & Tissue Contamination. If powder enters open wounds or body cavities during procedures, it can slow healing, cause tissue inflammation (granulomas), and increase infection risks.
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Safer Alternatives. For direct patient care, wound dressing, or sensitive environments, powder-free latex or powder-free nitrile gloves (which use polymer or chlorinated inner coatings for easy donning) provide safer barrier protection without aerosolizing allergens.
