Latex Allergy

Latex gloves have been used to prevent transmission of many infectious diseases to healthcare workers. However, latex is hazardous to some healthcare workers, resulting in a range of health effects from minor dermatitis to asthma, life-threatening anaphylaxis and respiratory arrest, similar to a bee sting allergic reaction. Data indicate that 8-12% of the healthcare worker population that use gloves are sensitized to natural rubber latex compared with 1-6% of the general population. The FDA has reported five healthcare worker deaths related to latex glove use.

Powdered latex gloves present an additional hazard because the latex proteins in the glove attach to the glove donning powder and become aerosolized. A latex allergic patient or sensitive worker cannot be safe in a powdered latex environment.

Because the only effective treatment for latex allergy is the complete avoidance of contact with latex-containing products and powder, alternative glove barrier materials are needed. Finding adequate barrier protection without harming the worker, the patient or the environment is a challenge that lies at the intersection between environmental and occupational health. Vinyl gloves are the most common and least expensive substitute for latex exam gloves. Vinyl is an adequate barrier, if the glove is intact, according to the CDC; however vinyl gloves break down easily and are environmentally toxic. Other synthetic alternatives include nitrile, polyurethane, neoprene and tactylon. Although latex has been considered the "gold standard", other synthetic materials provide superior chemical barriers for handling chemotherapeutic agents and other chemicals such as glutaraldehyde.
From 'Occupational Health and Safety,' by Susan Wilburn, MPH, RN

 

On the Web

Latex Allergy. NIOSH Facts. June 1997.
www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexfs.html

Preventing Allergic Reactions to Rubber Latex in the Workplace. NIOSH Alert. Publication No. 97-135. June 1, 1997. Describes and defines types of latex reactions occurring in people using or working with latex products. It also describes how the allergy occurs.
www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/latexallergy/index.html

OSHA Technical Information Bulletin - Potential for Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and Other Natural Rubber Products. April 12,1999. OSHA
www.osha.gov/dts/tib/tib_data/tib19990412.html

Latex Allergy links
www.latexallergylinks.org/


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