Workplace Issues: Latex Allergy
A natural rubber latex allergy is a serious medical problem for a growing number of patients and a disabling occupational disease among health care workers. Allergic reactions to latex range from skin disease to asthma and anaphylaxis that can result in chronic illness, disability, career loss, hardship, and death. About one percent of the population is believed to have a latex allergy, according to the FDA. However, about 8-12% of health care workers and other people exposed to latex on the job are estimated to be allergic to latex.
Health care workers become sensitized from recurrent skin contact with allergenic proteins in latex gloves and inhalation of proteins that bind to particles of cornstarch glove power which becomes airborne. Similarly, patients develop sensitization from exposures to medical gloves and other latex medical devices as well as contact with rubber consumer products. Presently, there is no treatment for latex sensitized persons except complete latex avoidance.
If you suspect that you are allergic to latex, seek advice from your health care provider and report to your institution's employee health services for screening and diagnostic referral. Also, make sure that any allergic reaction, including asthma, is recorded on the OSHA 200 health and safety logs kept by your employer. In addition, report allergic events related to latex medical devices to the FDA MedWatch Program, at (800) FDA-1088, or fax, (800) FDA-0178.