In vivo testing of the protection provided by non-latex gloves against a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-containing...

In dentistry, allergic contact dermatitis to acrylates and allergic contact urticaria to latex are important occupational hazards. There is a need to identify non-latex gloves which are suitable for dental work but at the same time provide adequate protection against acrylate monomers. In a previous study, a new open-chamber system was used for testing the in vivo protection of 6 different gloves against an acrylate-containing ethanol-based dental adhesive. A nitrile glove gave the best protection among the gloves suitable for dental work. In the present study, the test model was used to investigate the in vivo protection of 7 non-latex gloves against a dental bonding product containing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) in an acetone/water vehicle. Eight 2-HEMA-allergic patients participated. Two neoprene gloves gave the best protection. The protection of the poorest glove was comparable to that of the positive control (no glove). The study produced in vivo data useful in the implementation of individual preventative measures against contact allergy to acrylates.