This page is a collection of interesting recent articles related to latex allergy.
2011
J Occup Environ Med. 2011 Aug;53(8):934-40. Prevention of IgE Sensitization to Latex in Health Care Workers After Reduction of Antigen Exposures. Kelly KJ, Wang ML, Klancnik M, Petsonk EL.
In his study, the authors investigate occupational latex allergy in health care workers (HCWs) before and after an intervention designed to reduce latex allergen exposure from gloves. The intervention consisted of removing powdered latex medical gloves from the workplace between 1998 and 2002. Levels of latex sensitization before the intervention correlated with airborne latex antigen measurements. After the intervention, new latex sensitization rates declined 16-fold, and 25% of previously sensitized employees reverted to negative skin tests. The authors conclude that "Airborne antigen exposure is a major source of latex sensitization among HCWs. Use of powder-free latex gloves markedly reduces the risk of sensitization."
JOEM, Volume 53, Number 8, August 2011:934-940. Prevention of IgE Sensitization to Latex in Health Care WorkersAfter Reduction of Antigen Exposures. Kelly et al.
The authors report the results of an intervention study where pre-intervention, a range of powdered gloves were used, and where the intervention was replacement by non-powdered gloves and also increased availability of non-latex gloves for sensitised staff.
The authors reported a 16-fold reduction in new latex sensitization rates declined 16-fold, whilst 25% of previously sensitized employees reverted to negative skin tests.