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Page last reviewed: 09/25/2008
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Latex Allergy
Allergy to latex was first recognized in the late 1970s. Since then, it has
become a major health concern as an increased number of people in the workplace
are affected. Health care workers exposed to latex gloves or medical products
containing latex are especially at risk. It is estimated that 8-12% of health
care workers are latex sensitive. Between 1988-1992, the Federal Drug
Administration (FDA) received more than 1,000 reports of adverse health effects
from exposure to latex, including 15 deaths due to such exposure.
As used in this topic, latex refers to the natural rubber latex manufactured from a milky fluid that is primarily
obtained from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Some synthetic rubber materials may be
referred to as "latex" but do not contain the natural rubber proteins
responsible for latex allergy symptoms.
Latex allergy is addressed in specific standards for the
general industry.
OSHA Standards
This section highlights OSHA standards and standard
interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the
standards) related to latex allergy.
Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands have
OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and
enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are
identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards
applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.
General Industry (29 CFR
1910)
Standard Interpretations
Hazard Recognition
The following references aid in
recognizing latex hazards in the workplace.
-
Potential for Sensitization and Possible Allergic Reaction
To Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber
Products. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2008, January 28). Alerts field personnel, employees and employers about issues regarding sensitization and
allergic reactions that have occurred in some individuals using natural rubber
latex (NRL) products, particularly gloves, in the workplace setting.
- Occupational
Latex Allergies. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
Describes latex allergies and includes links to What's New
Regarding Latex Allergies, NIOSH Publications on Latex
Allergies, and Other Latex Allergy-Related Resources and Links.
- Medical
Glove Powder Report. US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), Center for Devices and
Radiological Health, (1998, January 7). Discusses potential
adverse health effects of glove powder and latex allergy.
- Reddy S. "Latex
Allergy." American Family Physician. 1998 Jan 1;57(1):93-100. Contains a general overview of latex
allergy, latex origin, allergic reactions and symptoms, and those at
risk. Also, provides a Patient
Information Handout.
Possible Solutions
In order to make an impact in reducing latex allergy exposures in the workplace, more
than just hazard recognition needs to occur. After performing
an exposure assessment, preventative measures for worker
safety should be implemented. The following documents provide
safety and health information regarding latex allergy
prevention.
- Home Healthcare Workers: How to Prevent Latex Allergies [565 KB PDF, 2 pages]. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2012-119, (2012, February).
- Latex
Allergy, A Prevention Guide. US Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-113, (1998). Provides a guide to latex allergy
prevention, set in a question and answer format.
- Preventing
Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace.
US Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135, (1997,
June). A
Spanish
version is also available. Contains recommendations for employers
and employees to help minimize latex allergy reactions and
exposures, including a worker warning sheet for latex
allergy that can be copied and posted.
- 21 CFR 801.437 - User labeling for devices that contain natural rubber. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation, (2010, April 1). States actual wording required by the FDA for the
labeling of medical devices that contain
natural rubber latex. Also, states that labeling of natural rubber latex
devices may no longer use the term "hypoallergenic." These requirements apply to all devices composed of
or containing, or having packaging or components composed of
or containing, natural rubber that contacts humans.
-
Latex Allergy: A Guide to Prevention. Occupational Health
Surveillance Program, New Jersey's Department of Health
and Senior Services. Provides a
brochure for prevention
of latex allergy adapted from the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guide.
Additional Information
Related Safety and Health Topics
Pages
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