It used to be said that the two sure things were death and taxes. Perhaps nowadays we can add world terrorism and rubber gloves.
Dr. Gordon Christensen prepared an excellent article discussing the pros and cons of glove use ("Operating Gloves: The Good and the Bad," October JADA). One very important factor that was not covered, however, was the environmental impact of the widespread use of gloves by the dental profession.
Some time ago I saw something printed on this and, if it was accurate, the numbers were awesome as to the large amount of agricultural land needed to plant sufficient rubber trees to produce this many gloves. Then the problem on the other end is the very large volume of waste produced that will require suitable landfill locations or other means of disposal.
If you also consider all other health care professions, the problem could at least double. Perhaps the author could address this for a future issue.
