Prevention
Take the following steps to protect yourself from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace: Use nonlatex gloves for activities that are not likely to involve contact with infectious materials (food preparation, routine housekeeping, general maintenance, etc.). Appropriate barrier protection is necessary when handling infectious materials.
Symptoms
If you choose latex gloves, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content. Such gloves reduce exposures to latex protein and thus reduce the risk of latex allergy. So-called hypoallergenic latex gloves do not reduce the risk of latex allergy. However, they may reduce reactions to chemical additives in the latex (allergic contact dermatitis).
Causes
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.
Complications
Health care workers are at risk of developing latex allergy because they use latex gloves frequently. Workers with less glove use (such as housekeepers, hairdressers, and workers in industries that manufacture latex products) are also at risk. Is skin contact the only type of latex exposure?
How to protect yourself from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace?
Do latex gloves reduce the risk of latex allergy?
When was allergy to latex first recognized?
Who is most at risk for latex allergy?
What step can be used to reduce or avoid a latex exposure in the workplace?
Appropriate barrier protection is necessary when handling infectious materials. If you choose latex gloves, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content. Such gloves reduce exposures to latex protein and thus reduce the risk of latex allergy.
How do nurses prevent a latex allergy?
Immediate latex allergy precautions include: Non sterile latex free examination gloves where exposure to blood or body fluids are anticipated should be worn to protect the staff member. Vinyl gloves should be worn for food service only. Sterile latex free gloves for sterile procedures.
Why are healthcare workers at high risk for developing latex allergies?
This is why healthcare workers, people who work in rubber manufacturing, childcare providers, food service workers and housekeepers are also at risk. Studies seem to indicate that the severity of allergies due to latex come from repeated exposure to its protein.
What are some precautions to prevent allergic reactions?
Preventing Allergic Reactions and Controlling AllergiesAvoid your allergens. ... Take your medicines as prescribed. ... If you are at risk for anaphylaxis, keep your epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times. ... Keep a diary. ... Wear a medical alert bracelet (or necklace). ... Know what to do during an allergic reaction.
What nursing interventions would you implement for a patient with a latex allergy?
Nursing ManagementAsk for the presence of any food allergies. ... Determine the type of allergic reaction.Recommend immunological testing for latex sensitivity.Always have epinephrine at the bedside in case of anaphylaxis.Set up a latex-free environment.More items...•
What barrier options are available for the latex allergic patient?
What effective, latex-free options are available?Polyurethane condoms. These are made of thin plastic instead of rubber. ... Polyisoprene condoms. Made from synthetic rubber, these don't contain the same proteins that cause an allergic reaction. ... Female condoms. This is the only option a woman can wear. ... Lambskin condoms.
Who is most at risk for developing a latex allergy?
Certain people are at greater risk of developing a latex allergy:People with spina bifida. ... People who undergo multiple surgeries or medical procedures. ... Health care workers. ... Rubber industry workers. ... People with a personal or family history of allergies.
What is a major risk factor for developing a latex allergy?
People who are at higher risk for developing latex allergy include: Health care workers and others who frequently wear latex gloves. People who have had multiple surgeries (for example, 10 or more), such as children with spina bifida. People who are often exposed to natural rubber latex, including rubber industry ...
Why screening for latex allergies is important for patients?
While the percentage of people with latex allergy is rather low, many more are at risk due to prolonged, frequent exposure to latex. Screening potential patient latex allergy beforehand is critical, because diagnosis is still an imprecise science.
What is a control method to prevent allergenic contamination?
Avoiding allergen cross-contamination cleaning utensils before each usage, especially if they were used to prepare meals containing allergens. washing hands thoroughly between preparing dishes with and without certain allergens. storing ingredients and prepared foods separately in closed and labelled containers.
What are the three ways to manage allergies?
3 Ways to Minimize Allergy Symptoms#1: Avoid Triggers. Typically, elements like pollinating trees, mold and summer grasses or weeds are the main culprits for seasonal allergies. ... #2: Take Antihistamines. ... #3: Take Action After Exposure.
What is the best way to reduce the risk of allergic reactions when substituting one ingredient for another in a recipe?
Clean and sanitize surfaces, equipment and utensils between uses. Don't reuse equipment for different ingredients. For example, don't reuse a cutting board that was used to chop peanuts to prepare vegetables for a salad. Don't substitute one ingredient for another.
What precautions should the nurse take when caring for a client with an allergy to latex?
Avoid touching, using, or being near latex-containing products. Avoid areas where latex is likely to be inhaled (for example, where powdered latex gloves are being used). Inform your employer and your personal healthcare professionals that you have latex allergy. Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Can you be a nurse with a latex allergy?
The Massachusetts Nurses Association believes that patients, nurses, other health care professionals and staff should not be exposed and sensitized to natural rubber latex through dermal contact, mucosal contact, inhalation, percutaneous contact or wound inoculation.
What would you do if your patient is allergic to latex?
If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you will need to go to the emergency room for an immediate injection of adrenaline (epinephrine). For less severe reactions, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids, which you can take after exposure to latex to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort.
Why screening for latex allergies is important for patients?
While the percentage of people with latex allergy is rather low, many more are at risk due to prolonged, frequent exposure to latex. Screening potential patient latex allergy beforehand is critical, because diagnosis is still an imprecise science.
How to protect workers from latex exposure?
NIOSH recommends the following steps be taken by employees and employers to protect workers from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace: Appropriate barrier protection is necessary when handling infectious materials. If latex gloves are chosen, use powder-free gloves with reduced protein content.
How to treat latex allergy after removing gloves?
After removing latex gloves, wash hands with a mild soap and dry thoroughly. Individuals who develop symptoms of latex allergy should avoid direct contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products until evaluated by a physician experienced in diagnosing latex allergy.
What is natural rubber latex?
In the health care setting, natural rubber latex is found in a number of equipment and supply products. The most common and widely used is latex gloves. Latex gloves have proven effective in preventing disease transmission.
Why are powdered gloves used?
vinyl gloves), when appropriate, are encouraged. Because the powder in powdered latex gloves increases the dissemination of allergy-causing proteins and sensitization to latex, the use of powder-free gloves is recommended.
When to use non-latex gloves?
Use non-latex gloves when there is little potential for contact with infectious materials (e.g. food service). Ensure that employees use good housekeeping practices to remove latex containing dust from the workplace (frequently clean contaminated areas and change ventilation filters and vacuum bags regularly).
Can rubber latex cause anaphylactic shock?
For some individuals, however, exposure to natural rubber latex may result in allergic reactions including: anaphylactic shock and possible death (rare). In June 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued an alert entitled, " Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace " ...
Developing Symptoms
If you develop symptoms of a latex allergy, avoid direct contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products until you can see a physician experienced in treating latex allergies.
Barrier Protection
It is extremely important that barrier protection be used when hands would otherwise contact infectious materials or hazardous chemicals, such as latex.
Reducing Exposure and Risk
Reducing exposure has been the primary prevention method to protect workers with latex allergies.
Controlling Exposure and Risk
Employers should follow the hierarchy of controls to help prevent latex allergies.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NIOSH recommends employers take the following to protect workers from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace:
What is the name of the publication that outlines the prevention of latex allergy?
Latex Allergy, A Prevention Guide. U.S. 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.
Is latex hypoallergenic?
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.
When was latex allergy first recognized?
Overview. 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.
How many people are latex sensitive?
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 ...
What is latex made of?
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.
How is occupational asthma due to latex allergy diagnosed?
An allergist can make the diagnosis of asthma and latex allergy, then determine whether asthma is triggered by latex. Some of the factors used in making the diagnosis include:
Can rubber cause asthma?
Occupational asthma causes asthma symptoms due to exposures to allergens or irritants in the workplace. Natural rubber latex can be a trigger for occupational asthma. Up to 18% of healthcare workers have natural rubber latex allergy. Women are more likely to be exposed to latex in their workplace than men.
Is there any treatment for occupational asthma due to latex?
Researchers continue to explore latex allergy immunotherapy but it is not an approved treatment . Latex allergy shots have been associated with a high risk of side effects. Latex allergy tablets that dissolve under the tongue have shown promise in small clinical trials with less side effects.
Developing Symptoms
Barrier Protection
Reducing Exposure and Risk
Controlling Exposure and Risk
Personal Protective Equipment
- If you develop symptoms of a latex allergy, avoid direct contact with latex gloves and other latex-containing products until you can see a physician experienced in treating latex allergies. If you have a latex allergy, your health care professional or physician may discuss the following precautions: 1. Avoiding contact with latex gloves and products. 2. Avoiding areas where you mi…
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- It is extremely important that barrier protection be used when hands would otherwise contact infectious materials or hazardous chemicals, such as latex. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires that gloves be worn when it is reasonably anticipated that hand contact may occur with blood, other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, …