[Sensitization to powdered latex gloves: prevalence in hospital employees]

The prevalence of latex allergies in industrial countries has skyrocketed since the 1980s. Between 2.6 and 22% of hospital workers are diagnosed with latex allergy, which has been recognized as an occupational hazard in France since 1997.

To assess the prevalence of latex allergy among Montpellier University Hospital Center staff.

From 1999 to 2002, we interviewed and conducted skin-prick tests on 537 hospital staff members from different departments and with different degrees of exposure to airborne latex allergens.

Symptoms while using natural-rubber latex gloves (most often contact dermatitis) were reported by 88 (16.4%) staff members. Overall work-related allergic symptoms included rhinitis, reported by 65 (12.1%), contact urticaria by 28 (5.2%), and bronchial symptoms by 16 (1.1%). In all, sensitization to latex was identified in 7.1% of our staff, and this percentage was higher (11.3%) in units where latex gloves were used more often. Sensitization was associated with high latex exposure and atopy.

This high rate of latex sensitization and the risk factors are similar to those already published. Based on this study, we have eliminated powdered latex gloves, as have many other hospitals.