Latex Sensitivity

Hazard Bulletin: Latex Sensitivity

Health Effects

Because of its high strength, elasticity and low cost, natural latex rubber is used in many medical devices and household goods. In recent years, however, a small number of people, often those with frequent exposure to latex in the workplace, have begun to develop sensitivity to latex. Symptoms of latex sensitivity range from skin rash, runny nose and eye irritation to life-threatening allergic reactions. Some symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction while others are not.

Non-allergic skin rashes may be the result of ongoing skin irritation from sweating under the latex gloves, by an irritant reaction to chemicals used in glove manufacture or by a reaction to soaps, cleaning agents or disinfectants used by workers. Relief from non-allergic skin reactions may be obtained by using either a cotton or other non-latex liner under the gloves.

Allergic reactions may be delayed or immediate. Delayed allergic reactions are caused by an immune system response to chemicals used in latex production. These responses include a skin rash which appears within two to three days following contact with the gloves and usually affects only the area covered by the gloves. An allergic rash is usually more severe than an irritant rash and may result in skin cracks, sores and blisters. Delayed allergic skin reactions can be avoided by switching to vinyl or other non-latex gloves.

Immediate allergic reactions affect other body systems and are potentially much more serious. These reactions are the result of the body developing an allergic response to some of the latex protein molecules found in the gloves. Exposure is either from skin contact with the protein molecules or by inhalation when workers breathe tiny particles of powder used to facilitate taking gloves on and off. The glove powder, usually corn starch, carries the latex protein molecules. When gloves are snapped off and on, the powder becomes airborne and workers inhale it. Immediate allergic reactions from skin contact include localized itching and hives. Reactions to the airborne latex proteins include inflammation of the eyes, shortness of breath, asthma, dizziness and rapid heart rate; some individuals will experience a severe blood pressure drop and life-threatening anaphylatic reaction. In many cases symptoms, other than anaphylaxis, will disappear without treatment within a few hours of removal from exposure. In any case, workers experiencing symptoms should seek medical assistance.

To date, no deaths have been attributed to occupational exposure to latex, although at least 14 deaths in the United States were caused by patient reactions to the latex cuff used in barium enemas. By 1992, the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) in Ontario had allowed 60 cases of immediate latex allergic reactions in individuals exposed to latex. The actual prevalence of latex allergy is unknown; however, in the health care field, between 7 and 10 percent of health care workers are believed to be sensitive to latex.

Workers at Risk

Individuals, such as nurses, dentists and dental assistants, who use latex products (e.g., gloves) on a regular or frequent basis. This includes people who have had frequent exposures during surgical procedures. Workers who work with latex and have a history of other allergies such as hay fever or food allergies. It appears that people who are allergic to chestnuts, bananas, avocados, papaya and other tropical fruit may be particularly sensitive to latex proteins. Workers who manufacture latex products.

Control of Exposure

1. Workers who use or manufacture latex products should receive training on health effects related to latex and safety precautions that should be followed to reduce exposure to latex.
2. Where possible, alternative products not containing latex should be used. A list of non-latex gloves has been published by the federal Health Protection Branch (July, 1994) which will assist in the search for alternatives. If latex gloves must be used, gloves containing low levels of latex protein and no powder should be used. Workers who are allergic to the chemical additives rather than to latex proteins, should use glove brands which do not contain the offending chemical.
3. Workers who are extremely sensitive to latex should carry proper identification to ensure that ambulance personnel or health care workers do not expose them to latex in an emergency or during a surgical procedure.

Know your rights

• You have the right to know what hazards exist in your workplace.
• Your employer must provide you with information about the hazards and training in safe work practices and equipment.
• You have the right to refuse the work, without reprisals and without loss of pay, if you have reason to believe any part of the workplace is likely to endanger you or other workers.

What can you do?

1. Talk with your co-workers about the information on this sheet.
2. Write down what you think and put it into an InfoSwap box or give it to your health and safety representative.