Allergic reactions to latex among health-care workers

Mayo Clin Proc. 1992 Nov;67(11):1075-9. doi: 10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61122-7.

Abstract

With the emergence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and the practice of protecting health-care workers from all body fluids, the use of rubber gloves has increased, as has occupational allergy to latex among health-care workers. During 1991, 49 Mayo Medical Center employees sought assessment and treatment of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, contact urticaria, contact dermatitis, asthma, or eczema thought to be related to exposure to latex. Most of these persons had a history of atopy and worked in areas where rubber gloves were used and changed frequently. Of the 49 subjects, 34 had positive results of skin tests to latex products, and the sera from 19 of 35 persons tested contained increased latex-specific IgE antibodies. Employees with sensitivity to latex (and co-workers in the immediate areas) should use vinyl gloves and should notify their own health-care providers of their sensitization. Changes in job assignment may be necessary for some persons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / chemically induced*
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / chemically induced*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / immunology
  • Female
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / chemically induced*
  • Rubber / adverse effects*
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases / immunology
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Rubber