Occupational Latex Allergies

Latex gloves have proved effective in preventing transmission of many infectious diseases to health care workers. But for some workers, exposures to latex may result in allergic reactions. Reports of such reactions have increased in recent years--especially among health care workers.

NIOSHTIC-2 Search

NIOSH Publications on Latex Allergies

NIOSH ALERT: Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace
NIOSH Publication No. 97-135 (June 1997)
En Español
Detailed description of latex allergy including presentation of existing data and description of six case reports of workers who developed latex allergy. The document also presents NIOSH recommendations for minimizing latex-related health problems in workers while protecting them from infectious materials.

Related NIOSH Topic Pages

Other Latex Allergy-Related Resources

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)
"Tips to Remember" Brochure was created by the Public Education Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
External Link: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/latexallergy.stm

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
Latex allergy topic page.
External Link: http://www.acaai.org/public/linkpages/latex.htm

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI)
AAAAI and ACAAI Joint Statement concerning the use of powdered and non-powdered natural rubber latex gloves.
External Link: http://allergy.edoc.com/1997_archives/pdf/dec_97/487.pdf

OSHA Latex Allergy Site
This OSHA site addresses the recognition, evaluation, controls and compliance issues surrounding latex allergy.
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/latexallergy/index.html

Veterans Administration Latex Allergy Site
Veterans Administration site provides useful information and links on latex allergy.
External Link: http://www.va.gov/vasafety/page.cfm?pg=242

Latex Allergy Links
Provides a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of latex allergy-related sites. ELASTIC Inc. is a voluntary, non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of latex allergy awareness and management as well as the prevention of future sensitization through education, information sharing and support.
External Link: http://latexallergylinks.tripod.com/

Latex Allergens with their predicted physiological roles
World Health Organization-International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO-IUIS) Registered Latex Allergens listing with links for allergen nomenclature and sequence database.
External Link: http://dmd.nihs.go.jp/latex/allergen-e.html