Minimizing the risks of latex allergy: the effectiveness of written information

Latex allergy has been identified as an occupational risk for the dental profession. This study assessed whether identified latex-allergic dental personnel changed their practices after receiving verbal and written information about the management of latex allergy.

A survey conducted at the 1998 Australian Dental Association Congress identified 157 dental personnel with clinical latex allergy, or at high risk from latex exposure. The workplace implications were then explained to them by a consultant allergist. Four weeks later, follow up written information on latex allergy was mailed out. The information sheet outlined possible symptoms and cross-reactions, implications for the workplace, hand care advice and management strategies to reduce latex exposure in the workplace. After six weeks, a questionnaire, designed to assess whether appropriate steps to reduce latex exposure had been taken, was mailed out.

Seventy per cent of the questionnaires were returned. All respondents felt the information was easy to understand and informative. While 50 per cent of respondents indicated that they had changed to powder-free or non-latex gloves, only five respondents were fully compliant with all instructions.

Compliance with instructions regarding minimizing exposure to latex in a group of latex-allergic dental personnel was poor.