NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Occupational latex asthma.
Authors
Schill D
Source
Occupational Health Surveillance Update 1998 Jan; :1,8-9
NIOSHTIC No.
20043673
Abstract
Natural latex gloves have proven effective in preventing transmission of many infectious diseases. Unfortunately, use of latex gloves in this preventive effort has contributed to the sensitization of at least 1-6% of the general population, and 7- 10% of the health-care workers to natural rubber latex allergens (see sidebar). Latex is composed of various lipids, phospholipids, and proteins. The proteins can sensitize or induce IgE antibodies production in predisposed individuals. Chemicals, including antioxidants and accelerators, added during the manufacturing process may cause hypersensitivity. The amount of latex protein exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. Reductions in exposure to latex proteins have been reported to be associated with decreased sensitization and symptoms.
Keywords
Gloves; Personal-protection; Personal-protective-equipment; Preventive-medicine; Infection-control; Infectious-diseases; Workers; Worker-health; Allergies; Allergic-reactions; Hypersensitivity; Chemical-composition; Exposure-levels; Risk-factors; Health-care-personnel; Sensitization
Publication Date
19980101
Document Type
Newsletter
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year
1998
Identifying No.
Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-208160
Source Name
Occupational Health Surveillance Update
State
NJ
Performing Organization
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Page last reviewed: September 2, 2020
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division