Why is touching the face with contaminated gloves particularly concerning?

Touching the face with contaminated gloves is particularly concerning because it can result in indirect contamination. This occurs when pathogens, chemicals, or biological materials that are present on the gloves are transferred to the face, which can lead to infection or illness. The face is an area that includes mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, which are more susceptible to the absorption of contaminants.

Indirect contamination is a significant risk in crime scene investigation and other forensic procedures, where maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of contaminants is crucial for the safety of investigators as well as the integrity of any evidence collected. The practice of wearing gloves is intended to create a barrier to protect both the investigator and the evidence, and failing to adhere to this practice by touching the face undermines that purpose, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.