Latex allergy: an emerging crisis in health care

Concomitant with the increase in latex glove use in the mid 1980s, the spectrum and severity of latex-associated allergic reactions has become well recognized and the number of affected individuals has mushroomed. Reactions range from annoying rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis but are none-the-less unpredictable. More and more workers are affected and claiming 100 percent disability and, while I am unaware of any cost analysis of this issue, with five percent of the health care field at risk, the costs will be staggering. Latex sources must be clearly identified and eliminated if possible. Similarly, at risk individuals must be identified, advised on prevention and be prepared for possible exposure.