What role does cornstarch play in latex allergies?
A While the cornstarch often used as a powder to aid in donning gloves is not allergenic, it can carry latex proteins and allergenic chemicals from the glove material. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides this caution related to powdered latex gloves (1): “when powdered gloves are worn, more latex protein reaches the skin. Also, when gloves are changed, latex protein/powder particles get into the air, where they can be inhaled and contact body membranes … (2).
