The British journal of surgery
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Particles of talc have been identified on the route surface of surgeons' rubber gloves and in sections of tissue classified as 'starch' or 'foreign body' granulomas. This analytical study indicates that under certain circumstances these granulomas could have been caused by talc contamination.
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Five different types of surgical mask of varying design and composition of natural and synthetic fibres were tested for their efficiency in vivo by means of a special test chamber. Contaminated particles escaping through or around the mask during speech by the wearer could be collected and sized. ⋯ The best masks contained more fabric, were softer and were pleated, while the worst were stiffer, smaller and not pleated. Reusable cotton fabric masks were as effective as synthetic fabric masks when made to a good design.