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Safety and Health Topics: |
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| Latex Allergy |
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Allergy to latex was first recognized in the late 1970s. Since then, it has become a major health concern as an increasing number of people in the work place have been
affected. Health care workers exposed to latex gloves or medical products containing latex are especially at risk. It is estimated that 8-12% of health care workers are latex
sensitive. Between 1988-1992, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) received more than 1000 reports of adverse health effects from exposure to latex, including 15 deaths due to such exposure.
As used in this discussion, latex refers to the natural rubber latex manufactured from a milky fluid that is primarily
obtained from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Some synthetic rubber materials may be
referred to as "latex" but they do not contain the protein that produces latex allergy.
Related Safety and Health Topics
Recognition
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Occupational Latex Allergies. NIOSH Safety and Health Topic page, 1 page. Describes
latex allergies and includes links to What's New Regarding Latex Allergies, NIOSH Publications on Latex Allergies, Other Latex Allergy Resources and Links.
- Potential for Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products.
OSHA Technical Information Bulletin, (1999, April 12), 9 pages. Alerts field personnel to the
potential for allergic reactions in some individuals using natural rubber latex products, particularly gloves, in the workplace setting.
- Latex
Allergy, A Prevention Guide. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-113 (1998). A Guide to latex allergy prevention, set in a question and answer format.
- Latex
Allergy a Guide to Prevention. (Occupational Health Surveillance Program), New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services (1998 December 31). Brochure for prevention of latex allergy.
- Latex
Allergy. Bandolier Monthly Journal, Andrew Moore, 10 pages. Describes implications for health care providers. It identifies products and equipment that contain
latex and latex reactions from mild to severe, including rare anaphylactic reactions.
- Latex
Allergy. American Academy of Family Physicians (1998, January 1), 7 pages. Contains a general overview of latex allergy, latex origin, reactions, symptoms, and those
at risk. Also, provides a Patient Information Handout.
- Latex
Allergy: Prevention and Management in the Workplace. (SORDSA) Alert, Surveillance of Work-Related and Occupational Respiratory Diseases in
South Africa (1998, September). Alerts employers and employees regarding the hazards of latex allergy.
- Preventing
Allergic Reactions to Rubber Latex in the Workplace. NIOSH Alert, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135 (1997, June), 10
pages. Describes and defines types of latex reactions occurring in people using or working with latex products. It also describes how the allergy occurs.
- Latex
Allergy. NIOSH Facts (1997, June), 2 pages. Describes latex allergy and those at risk of becoming sensitized. Also includes the NIOSH recommendations for reducing allergic reactions to latex in the workplace.
- Latex
Allergy: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Patients. Workplace Issues; Occupational Safety and Health. (1996), 5 pages. American Nurses' Association Brochure on Latex Allergy.
Evaluation
- Latex
Allergy Test Cleared for Marketing. FDA Information Summaries (1995, March 24), 2 pages. The FDA-approved blood test available to detect latex antibodies.
- Medical
Glove Powder Report. FDA, Centers for Devices and Radiological Health (September, 1997), 15 pages. Discusses potential adverse health effects of glove powder and latex allergy.
Control
- Preventing
Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace. NIOSH Alert, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135 (1997, June), 10 pages. A
document containing recommendations for employers and workers to help minimize latex allergy reactions and exposures. It includes a worker warning sheet for latex allergy that can be copied and posted.
- Latex
Allergy, A Prevention Guide. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-113 (1998), 4 pages. Basic information on latex allergy and ways to prevent sensitization.
- Natural
Rubber-Containing Medical Devices; User Labeling (1997, September 30), 3 pages. FDA final rule. States actual wording required by the FDA
for the labeling of medical devices that contain natural rubber latex. The labeling of natural rubber latex devices may no longer use the term
"hypoallergenic." Both of these requirements apply to all devices composed of or containing, or having packaging or components
composed of or containing, natural rubber that contacts humans.
Compliance
There are no OSHA standards specific to latex exposure.
- Bloodborne Pathogens.
- OSHA's Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(iii), states that the employer shall ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment in the appropriate sizes is readily accessible at the
worksite or is issued to employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, powderless gloves, or other similar alternatives shall be readily accessible to those employees who are allergic to the gloves
normally provided. Please note that hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, or powderless gloves are not to be assumed to be non-latex or latex free.
- Standard Interpretations and Compliance Letters
Other
- Latex
Allergy Links. A site maintained by ELASTIC, the Education for Latex Allergy/Support Team
and Information Coalition. (2003, March 9), 5 pages. A comprehensive collection of some of the latest articles on latex allergies. Includes links to related sites.
- Workplace
Issues Occupational Safety and Health: Latex Allergy. American Nurses' Association. (2003), 3 pages. Provides a collection of articles on latex allergy.
- L.A.I.R. The Latex Allergy Information Resource
Databases. (2001, December 05), 1 page. Run by the Department of Anesthesiology, at Case Western Reserve University, and University Hospitals of Cleveland. Site includes glove
manufacturing information, and a tutorial on caring for latex-allergic patients undergoing surgery.
- Latex Allergy.
A site maintained by Family Village. (1999, December 18), 3 pages. Provides various resources on Latex Allergy.
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| Revised: 29 April 2003 |
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