Latex allergy: are you at risk?

The prevalence of latex allergies in healthcare workers has significantly increased over the past 2 decades. Increases in exposure to latex products in healthcare environments are related primarily to the use of gloves for barrier protection. In the early 1980s, with the implementation of universal precautions and appropriate healthcare worker protection, latex glove use dramatically rose in many countries. Manufacturing techniques and additional factories for latex gloves were developed to meet the tremendous demand. As a result of new "fast-track" production processes, some of the latex gloves had variant amounts of powder and allergen content. Synthetic materials, such as polyvinyl, polyurethanes, nitrile, and neoprene, are being used to manufacture medical gloves. Some hospitals and clinics have adopted the use of these alternatives to provide a "latex-free" healthcare environment. Risk reduction and prevention strategies are being implemented in many countries. Latex sensitivity and allergy can present as variable clinical reactions including contact dermatitis, rhinoconjuctivitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Some healthcare providers who have coexisting risk factors, such as atopy and food allergies (chestnuts, bananas, avocados, passion fruit, celery, potatoes, and peaches), are at an even greater risk for severe allergic reactions following repeated latex exposure. This journal course will provide an overview of the information available related to latex allergy in healthcare workers.