![]() Latex proteins become fastened to the lubricant powder used in some gloves. Is skin contact the only type of latex exposure? ![]() Workers with less glove use (such as housekeepers, hairdressers, and workers in industries that manufacture latex products) are also at risk. Health care workers are at risk of developing latex allergy because they use latex gloves frequently. Who is at risk of developing latex allergy? Rarely, shock may occur however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. In sensitized persons, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. Several types of synthetic rubber are also referred to as “latex,” but these do not release the proteins that cause allergic reactions. In this pamphlet, the term “latex” refers to natural rubber latex, the product manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. ![]() Reports of such reactions have increased in recent years–especially among health care workers. But for some workers, exposures to latex may result in allergic reactions. Latex gloves have proved effective in preventing transmission of many infectious diseases to health care workers.
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