Latex Allergy
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Summary
What are the symptoms? The symptoms include dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Although rare, latex allergy can cause anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening reaction similar to people whom are allergic to bee stings. Who is at risk? Health care workers, law enforcement and public safety, corrections, food service, housekeeping and others who use or are exposed to latex products, particularly gloves. How can workers be protected? Substituting non-latex products where possible, using low-protein powder-free gloves, housekeeping, training and other measures to reduce exposure. |
What is latex allergy?
Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. Latex is a natural substance that is made from the sap of rubber trees. Natural rubber latex is found in most latex gloves, and many medical, household, and other consumer products. Synthetic rubber is made from different materials and does not cause latex allergy.
The amount of latex exposure needed to produce a reaction is unknown. Increasing the exposure increases the risk of becoming sensitized and developing allergic symptoms. Exposures at even very low levels can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitized individuals, even if they never had symptoms before.
What are the symptoms?
There are three types of reactions that can occur in persons who use or are exposed to latex products.
- Irritant contact dermatitis
This is NOT a true allergy. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common reaction to latex products. Dry, itchy, irritated areas develop on the skin, usually the hands. It is caused by skin irritation from using the gloves and other chemicals. Frequent hand washing, incomplete drying of the skin, using cleaners and sanitizers, and powders in gloves can also cause this reaction. - Allergic contact dermatitis (also called Type IV delayed hypersensitivity or chemical sensitivity dermatitis)
This is a reaction to chemicals that are added to latex during the manufacturing process. The reaction to these chemicals is similar to reactions caused by poison ivy. The rash begins 24 to 48 hours after contact and may progress to oozing skin blisters that spread away from the area of skin that has come in contact with latex. - Latex allergy (also called immediate or Type I hypersensitivity)
Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure to latex, but can develop hours later. Mild symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Although rare, latex allergy can cause anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening reaction similar to people whom are allergic to bee stings.
Who is at risk?
Workers who use or are exposed to latex products are at risk. It has been estimated that at least 10 percent of the health care workers have latex allergy. Workers outside of health care facilities can also have exposure, particularly those workers who wear protective gloves. This includes emergency medical services, law enforcement and other public safety, corrections, food service, housekeeping and others. Workers in factories where latex products are manufactured or used can also be affected.
Some people have an increased risk of latex allergy in addition to exposure at work. This includes individuals with multiple allergic conditions, allergies to certain fruits and vegetables, or have spina bifida.
How is latex allergy diagnosed and treated?
Latex allergy should be suspected when a worker develops symptoms such as nasal, eye, or sinus irritation, hives, shortness of breath, or unexplained shock. The condition is diagnosed by taking a medical history, blood tests, and skin testing. There are medications that may reduce symptoms, but the most effective way to protect workers is to prevent ALL exposure to latex.
What can be done to protect workers?
- Use non-latex products where possible. Use non-latex gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber, neoprene, vinyl, butyl, vitron) that prevent contact with hazards, including diseases spread by contact with blood or other body fluids. Non-latex gloves should also be used for food preparation, housekeeping, and other tasks that do not involve contact with infectious materials.
- Create latex-free areas for allergic workers, patients, and others.
- Use good housekeeping practices to remove latex-containing dust from the workplace.
- Monitor workers who use latex products for signs of latex allergy.
- Train workers to be aware of latex exposure and to recognize and report symptoms.
If latex gloves are used:
- They should be powder free and low protein. Powder spreads the proteins that cause the allergic reaction.
- Use cotton or synthetic glove liners to reduce contact with latex and other chemicals.
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly with a mild soap (neutral pH) after removing gloves.
Individuals who are sensitive to latex should:
- NEVER wear latex gloves, and avoid any other exposures.
- Inform employers, physicians, and co-workers of the need to avoid latex.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet.
- Carry auto-injectable epinephrine.
See the following for more information on latex allergy:
Food & Drug Administration - 21 CFR Part 801 - Natural Rubber Containing Medical Devices; User labeling FDA Latex Allergy Hotline - 301-594-3060.
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health - ALERT - Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace, Pub No. 97-135. 800-35-NIOSH.
OSHA Technical Information Bulletin - Potential for Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products -
This material was produced under Grant Number 46C9-HT15 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.
March 2002
For more information about protecting workers from workplace hazards, contact the AFSCME Health and Safety Program at (202) 429-1228, or 1625 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036.