Inhaled latex allergen (Hev b 1).

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Allergen Exposure
• Immunology

Background:

• IgE-mediated responses to natural rubber latex allergens pose significant health risks.
• Recognized risk groups are particularly vulnerable to latex allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify inhaled and surface-deposited Hevea brasiliensis latex allergen (Hev b 1).
• To compare exposure levels when wearing latex versus vinyl gloves.
• To evaluate results against conventional breathing zone samplers for occupational exposure.

Main Methods:

• Nasal and breathing zone sampling measured Hev b 1 exposure.
• Subjects wore powdered latex or vinyl gloves during normal activities.
• Surface dust samples collected via adhesive tape from gloves, hands, and work areas.
• HALOgen assay with Hev b 1-specific mAb quantified allergen-carrying particles.

Main Results:

• Inhaled allergen increased 26-fold with powdered latex gloves compared to no gloves or vinyl gloves.
• Breathing zone sampler measurements showed a 24-fold increase in airborne Hev b 1.
• Median particles/cm² on hands: 1964 (latex gloves) vs. 5 (vinyl gloves).
• Latex allergen associated with cornstarch and larger dust particles.

Conclusions:

• Latex glove use in laboratory settings increased inhaled latex allergen 26-fold over controls.
• Low latex exposure levels were observed with vinyl or no gloves, requiring further investigation.