Who is at risk of developing latex allergy? The groups of people most at risk are: those with spina bifida and congenital genitourinary abnormalities; healthcare workers (lab technicians, nurses, doctors, dentists, etc.); workers in the rubber industry; those with other allergies, particularly certain food allergies; people who have had multiple surgical procedures, especially in infancy. However, anyone may develop a latex allergy without any "risk factors".
Spina bifida patients and other who have had multiple surgeries and/or catheterizations often become allergic due to frequent exposure. Guidelines now state that children born with spina bifida be treated in a latex-free environment from the start. http://www.allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/la...
A key factor in the increase of latex allergy among healthcare workers is the use of powdered gloves. The powder is added to the gloves to make them easier to put on and take off. However, latex proteins (the allergenic substance) attach themselves to the powder particles and become airborne when the gloves are removed. The latex protein can then be inhaled by anyone in the area. This increases everyone's exposure to latex, which in turn can lead to possible sensitization and allergic reaction. People with eczema or other skin problems are also more at risk when using latex gloves (powdered or non-powdered), since the breaks in the skin allow more of the proteins to enter the body, increasing the likelihood of later allergy. In addition, as stated at the ACAAI's Guidelines for the Management of Latex Allergies, "the increased demand for latex gloves created changes in glove processing and manufacturing, including shorter wash and shelf times, which have increased the amount of latex protein antigens in gloves and other products." In other words, the increased demand for latex lead to shortcuts in the manufacturing process by some companies, thereby making gloves and other latex products more allergenic. The ACAAI guidelines call for the use of only powder-free, low protein gloves, but not everyone has adopted this plan.
The increase in latex allergy not only has an impact on on the health of medical workers, but also their livelihood. Many health care workers have had to leave their jobs due to their work-induced allergies. Brenda Ray, now an author, had to give up her job as a nurse-midwife due to a life-threatening latex allergy.
There is, of course, the effect of latex use in the healthcare field from the patient's perspective. In everyday life, people are exposed to latex in rubber bands, household cleaning gloves, condoms, mousepads, balloons, toys, and pacifiers, to name just a few items - latex is in at least 40,000 consumer products. Latex gloves and medical equipment are used at your dentist, your doctor, and your local hospital. Also, if powdered gloves are used, the latex proteins remain in the environment for at least an hour (perhaps several patients later). It is essential to inform your healthcare professionals if you are sensitive to latex in any way. Guidelines for hospitals state that they should be equipped with latex-free carts, containing the non-latex supplies needed. Those with known severe allergies should consider wearing an allergy alert bracelet and carrying an epinephrine kit.
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