I bought a new innertube and it had some kind of powder on it. I thought this was strange and I checked an older tube I never used that was still in the box and it did not have any powder on it. I'm concerned that if there is anything abrasive on the tube I don't want it getting in my rims or tires because it could cause wear on the tube or even the next tube I put in.

I've attached a photo of the powder. Can anyone tell me what it is and if it is normal and if it is okay to use this inner tube?

Not unusual, tubes are powdered to reduce sticking to the machinery used to make them, which also
reduces risk of tube sticking to itself when folded up inside the box before sale.

yes, totally normal.

Leave it on. It helps to keep the tube from sticking to the tire so it can seat itself. It eventually just wears off but not harmful at all to leave on the tube when installing.

Every new tube I’ve seen over the last 50 years was powdered. I believe it’s done so the tube doesn’t stick to itself while in storage.

Some brands do and some brands don't. It's not unusual at all.

Yaa, yaa, it is okay and normal.

As to what the powder is, you also will probably have to ask the tube maker to be certain. Though cornstarch might be a good guess. Talc maybe if it was on a tube from 50 years ago. But there are lots of things it could be.

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