LATEX ALLERGY: STILL A CHALLENGE?
Abstract
Although latex products have been in use for over a century, allergic responses to latex proteins have only been recognized as a serious health problem for about the past 15 years.1 In 1987, when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduced Universal Precautions, the demand for examination gloves increased significantly. Since everyone who came in contact with blood or body fluids was then expected to wear hand protection, glove use increased from fewer than 1 billion pairs per year (prior to 1987) to over 20 billion pairs of gloves by 1996.2 Latex sensitization is caused by exposure to latex proteins over time, and, although stated sensitization rates vary, it has been estimated that 8 – 12% of healthcare workers are latex sensitive.
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
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Ibid.
Meade, B. J., Weissman, D. N., & Beezhold, D. H. (2002). Latex allergy past and present. InternationalImmunopharmacology. 2, 225 – 238.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (1997). Preventing allergic reactions to natural rubber latex in the workplace.
American Society of Anesthesiologists. (1999). Natural rubber latex allergy: Considerations for anesthesiologists.
Ibid.
