During 1994 and 1995, four warehouse fires were reported as having been caused by the spontaneous combustion of latex examination gloves stored therein. FDA was alerted to the problem and an investigation was initiated. Latex does not ordinarily give rise to spontaneous combustion, so the suspect gloves were tested for excess generation of heat. The suspect gloves, which were powderfree latex examination gloves labeled as having been made in China and control powderfree latex examination gloves were taken through identical heating profiles while the internal temperature of the glove mass was monitored. A clear overheating by the suspect gloves indicated a potential for spontaneous combustion. Infrared studies of both the surfaces (FTIR-ATR) of the gloves as well as extracts (FTIR-transmission) from the gloves showed a difference in the chemical makeup of the suspect gloves from control gloves. It was concluded that the gloves were improperly manufactured using additives to the latex that were inappropriate and unsafe. A public health advisory was issued concerning the storage of suspect gloves.