The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposed ban on powdered medical gloves, arguing they pose a threat to patient and provider safety. While powder is often used to aid in putting on or removing gloves, they pose numerous safety risks, according to the announcement, including inflammation of airways and wounds. "This ban is about protecting patients and healthcare professionals from a danger they might not even be aware of," said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "We take bans very seriously and only take this action when we feel it's necessary to protect the public health." Announcement