iUniverse Blog

iUniverse Blog has recently been complimenting many of our authors on their various successes, be it winning awards, being signed by a mainstream publisher, having their books turned into movies or even becoming bestsellers. Now we have a book that has really achieved the single-minded goal that it was written and self-published for; an out-and-out true winner in every sense. The purpose of this book was to change the law, and in doing so, save lives and stop people suffering needlessly.

The book is Deadly Powder on Medical Gloves; A Wake-Up Call to the Food and Drug Administration, by Richard F. Edlich MD. PHD (with Julie A. Garrison BS and Heather N. Smith), who said:

“When medical/surgical gloves were devised, the manufacturer had to provide a powder on the glove surface that enhanced the donning the glove before use. During the last decade, a wide variety of glove coating surfaces have been developed to eliminate the need of the deadly powder on glove surfaces. Scientific studies have documented that the deadly powder on gloves increases wound infection, causes adhesions that can compress the bowels, and spreads tumor cells throughout the cavity. Our book was written to convince all health care professionals to use only powder free gloves.

More importantly, we sent multiple copies of the book to the FDA, along with a petition to have them ban the corn starch powder from all medical and surgical gloves. On July 3, 2013, we received the following attachment by email from the FDA confirming they were going to ban the powder from all gloves sometime during the next 18 months.”

Extract of the FDA Ruling

“Title: ●Proposal to Ban Powdered Natural Rubber Latex and Powdered Synthetic Latex Surgeon’s and Patient Examination Gloves

Abstract: FDA has determined that a subset of surgeon and patient exam gloves that are powdered and that represent a modest share of the market present a substantial risk of illness that cannot be corrected by a change in labeling. These gloves are Powdered Natural Rubber Latex Surgeon’s Gloves, Powdered Synthetic Latex Surgeon’s Gloves, Powdered Natural Rubber Latex Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Glove.

“Consequently, FDA is proposing to ban these devices”.

A true winner

iUniverse Publishing heartily congratulates Dr. Edlich, his colleagues and supporters in winning their battle to rid the U.S. of this unnecessary health hazard. We are pleased to have helped in a small way by publishing the book that heralded the campaign, Deadly Powder on Medical Gloves; A Wake-Up Call to the Food and Drug Administration.