[Prevention of work-related latex allergy]

Latex allergy has become a common work-related disease among health care workers. An increase in the use of latex gloves is the main reason for this. Measures to prevent sensitization and allergic reactions to latex can be implemented at various administrative levels: at national and international levels by regulations and recommendations, and by the implementation of various measures at the place of work. When to use gloves and what gloves to use are important issues, balancing barrier properties and the need to prevent infection with the need to prevent sensitization and allergic reactions to latex. There are great variations between allergen levels in different gloves, and this can be measured in different ways. Threshold levels are not specified, and latex gloves should not be considered devoid of allergenic potential. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has carried out a survey on latex gloves, based on information from manufacturers and importers, and present this survey to guide glove users. We recommend powder-free gloves with low levels of latex allergens/leachable proteins, chemicals and endotoxins. There are several low-allergen gloves available on the Norwegian market, but for some gloves we lack important information.