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Allergy to Hevea latex.
Allergy to Hevea Latex.
MedlinePlus: Latex Allergy
Latex is a milky fluid that comes from the tropical rubber tree. Hundreds of everyday products contain Latex. Repeated exposure to a protein in natural Latex can make you more likely to develop a Latex allergy. If your immune system detects the protein, a reaction can start in minutes. You could get a rash, asthma and in rare cases shock from Latex exposure.
Safety and Health Topics: Latex Allergy
Allergy to Latex was first recognized in the late 1970s. Since then, it has become a major health concern as an increasing 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.
NIOSH Publication : 98-113| Latex Allergy A Prevention Guide
NIOSH Publication : 98-113| Latex Allergy A Prevention Guide
Hospital eTool: HealthCare Wide Hazards - Latex Allergy
Latex allergy should be suspected in anyone who develops certain symptoms after Latex exposure, including nasal, eye,
or sinus irritation; hives; shortness of breath; coughing; wheezing; or unexplained shock. Any exposed worker who
experiences these symptoms should be evaluated by a physician, because further exposure could cause a serious allergic
reaction. A diagnosis is made by using the results of a medical history, physical examination, and tests.
Latex Allergy
Latex allergy reactions result from exposure to either the proteins or chemicals found in natural rubber Latex products. The proteins may also adhere to the powder used on some gloves to make them easier to put on and take off. Regular and repeated use of Latex gloves can result in the wearer becoming highly sensitive to the proteins or chemicals found in any Latex product.
Latex Allergy
People who have a Latex allergy may be allergic to some foods, as well. This is called a cross reaction. When this happens, your body responds with the same allergic symptoms that you would have if you were exposed to Latex. Cross reactions differ from one person to another. Someone may have a reaction to all the foods noted to cause cross reaction while another may have no reaction at all. Likewise, if you are allergic to any of these foods, you may also be allergic to Latex:
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy
FDA investigations, which ultimately identified natural Latex/ natural rubber (NLNR) allergy as an emerging public health concern, were started in response to voluntary reports submitted by physicians, nurses, and technologists to medWatch. The first reports described patient deaths that occurred during barium enema procedures, before the administration of barium. These initial voluntary reports from vigilant and concerned health professionals provided critical information that resulted in the identification of NLNR allergy as the probable cause of the events. Additional reports received in response to a special FDA request for any information related to NLNR problems enabled FDA to issue a Medical Alert to raise clinical awareness of NLNR allergy issues. FDA has proposed an NLNR labeling regulation, participates in voluntary standards activities for medical gloves, has begun collaborative research on NLNR allergy-related issues, and has cosponsored an international conference on Latex sensitivity.
NIOSH/latex alert
NIOSH/ Latex alert
latex allergy
Latex allergy
Latex Allergies: When Rubber Rubs the Wrong Way (September 1992)
To make sure a patient's Latex allergy isn't overlooked, FDA sent a medical alert to approximately 1,000 leaders of health professional organizations in March 1991. The alert advised health professionals to: --include questions about Latex sensitivity when taking a patient's health history. (Asking patients if they've ever experienced itching, rash or wheezing after wearing Latex gloves or inflating a toy balloon may be useful.) --flag the charts of patients who report signs of Latex allergy --counsel patients who have a suspected Latex-related allergic reaction while under the professional's care, and recommend a Latex allergy test to those individuals.
healthfinder.gov - Latex Allergy
Follow this site's links to other websites and information sources about Latex allergy. ... Details >
healthfinder.gov - Latex Allergy
Follow this site's links to other websites and information sources about Latex allergy. ... Details >
Latex Allergy - Information for Health Professionals
The increase in Latex allergies is believed to be linked to the dramatic increase in Latex glove use since the introduction of universal precautions in health care settings to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS and hepatitis B. In addition, the use of Latex gloves in other settings (e.g., food service and restaurants, day care) has proliferated. From 1991 to 1996, the number of Latex gloves imported in the United States increased by 247 percent. NIOSH has reported that changes in the manufacturing process of some Latex products may have contributed to the increase in observed Latex allergy.
Oregon Worker Illness & Injury Prevention Program (OWIIPP) Latex Allergy
Fortunately, Latex Allergy is highly preventable. The use of alternative glove materials prevents exposure to Latex allergens, and thus halts the progression of symptoms. Many types of non-Latex gloves are manufactured that offer reliable protection, good hand dexterity, fit, comfort, and are cost effective. Examples of Latex alternatives include nitrile, neoprene, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane. There are no generic preferences or recommendations that can be stated regarding glove selection. Gloves need to be appropriately selected depending on procedures or tasks being performed; level of risk exposure (low risk vs high risk); frequency and duration of exposure; and for the person(s) wearing, or coming into contact with the gloves. This type of information is available from glove manufacturers, suppliers, health and safety personnel, and the web.
Food Allergy
Food Allergy
MedlinePlus
Medical Encyclopedia: Latex allergy
Allergy to Latex products may manifest itself in simple dermatitis, or in a more serious whole body reaction, anaphylaxis. The term "dermatitis" describes an inflammatory response of the skin, caused by contact with allergens or irritants such as the Latex in surgical gloves or condoms. Contact with Latex may produce an itchy rash, redness, blisters and scaling, or may cause the more severe anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a series of symptoms including dropping blood pressure, swelling of the throat and tongue and difficulty breathing.
DASHO Letter 00S-97-6-Occupational Latex Allergies - Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Allergies: There are many substances foreign to the human body called allergens that can cause an allergy. When a person is exposed to an allergen, the body produces a protein (allergic antibody) which comes in contact with certain cells and causes the release of chemical(s) that result in allergic symptoms. Protective antibodies result from the invasion of the body by viruses or other germs. This allergic response is often genetic and occurs in up to 20 percent of the population, although under appropriate circumstances usually non-allergic individuals may be induced to have allergies. The presence of specific antibodies to natural rubber Latex only demonstrates that sensitization has occurred and does not indicate which sensitized individuals will react to Latex exposure. Individuals who have had their immune system compromised (e.g., through the use of steroids or cancer medication) are at an increased risk of developing a Latex allergy. Some people have food allergies, and some food allergies may indicate other allergies (atopic). For example an allergic reaction to bananas may also indicate an allergy to natural rubber protein. Allergies may result in a variety of reactions from skin rashes to systemic reactions, such as anaphylaxis (increasing shortness of breath, irritability, generalized swelling, even convulsions and sometimes death). Some allergies develop more extreme reactions over time and frequency of exposure.
Hazard Alert - Latex Allergy
While Latex gloves provide protection against blood borne pathogens in a variety of occupations and uses, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) warns that wearing certain Latex gloves can result in allergic reactions for some users. Symptoms of Latex allergy can include skin rash and irritation, hives, nasal congestion, asthma, and in rare instances, shock -- a potentially fatal condition. Individuals who develop an allergy to Latex may also have some similar cross-reactions to certain foods (avocado, banana, potato, tomato, kiwi fruit and papaya). Individuals prone to allergy are at greatest risk for developing an allergy to Latex products.
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