Long-term peritoneal tissue response in rats to mould-release agents and lubricant powder used on surgeons' gloves

Following implantation of 50-mg samples of a starch powder used for glove lubrication, or of talc or calcium carbonate mould-release agents for gloves, in the peritoneal cavity of rats, the treated animals were killed in groups of ten after 2, 4, 8, 13, 26 and 52 wk and were examined. Groups of sham-operated animals were used as controls. Within each treatment group the frequency of peritoneal adhesions remained constant throughout the study. Talc produced significantly more adhesions than the other treatments and caused a more severe granulomatous reaction, which persisted. Calcium carbonate and starch powder produced similar numbers of adhesions and in both cases the residues became invested by a thin fibrous capsule. Calcium carbonate appeared a safer material than talc.