Latex Allergy
Why latex?
In 1987, there was a movement throughout the world
to take precautions that would prevent the spread of infectious
diseases, especially the AIDS virus. This effort resulted in the
application of universal precautions for protecting a person from
infectious material using protective barriers. One such barrier
was the latex glove. It is estimated that since 1987, the annual
United States usage of latex gloves has been 10 billion. This
increase in the use of latex has resulted in a dramatic rise in
allergy to latex. Health care workers are at particular risk for
latex allergy and it is estimated that this allergy affects 2%
of all hospital employees. Latex is used in over 40,000 products.
What is latex and where is it found?
Latex is a natural product which comes from the light
milky fluid that is extracted from the rubber tree. This milky
fluid is often modified during the manufacturing process to form
a latex mixture. A person can be allergic to the latex or the
mixture or both. Latex-containing products are many and varied
(see the list below). One of two procedures is employed during
the manufacturing of the latex-containing product. One procedure
is "dipping," wherein a form is dipped into a vat of
latex and after drying, the latex product is washed and then peeled
from the form. If the latex product is not washed well, as is
the case with rushed production, more "free" latex is
present on the surface. This "free" latex is responsible
for a great deal of latex allergy. Dipped latex products include
gloves, balloons and condoms. A much less allergic latex product
is made by molding the latex. Products such as rubber stoppers
and erasers are manufactured using this process. The powder of
surgical gloves is a significant problem. Latex will easily stick
to powder that is commonly used in surgical gloves.
When the glove is placed on or taken off the hand
the glove is frequently "snapped." This snapping places
the powder, with latex sticking to it, into the air. Inhaled latex
can be a serious allergic problem.
Next: Who is at risk? »
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Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2002
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