19 Jan Latex Safety – Preventing Allergic Reactions

Latex Safety – Preventing Allergic Reactions

Latex safety is important for workers who regularly use gloves or other products containing natural rubber latex. Although most people experience no problems, repeated exposure can cause some workers to develop latex sensitivity or an allergic reaction.

Recognize Latex Allergy Symptoms

Workers exposed to natural rubber latex should know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may include:

• Skin rash, redness, hives, or itching.
• Nasal, eye, or sinus irritation.
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing.
• Asthma-like symptoms, including difficulty breathing.
• In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Workers who develop symptoms should stop or minimize exposure, notify their supervisor, and seek medical evaluation. Severe reactions or difficulty breathing require immediate emergency medical attention.

Reduce Latex Exposure

Exposure to natural rubber latex should be reduced whenever practical.

• Substitute non-latex products whenever appropriate.
• Use non-latex gloves for activities such as food preparation, routine housekeeping, and maintenance when latex gloves are not specifically necessary.
• When latex gloves are used, select powder-free gloves with reduced protein content.
• Avoid oil-based hand creams or lotions when wearing latex gloves because they may deteriorate natural rubber latex.
• After removing gloves, wash hands with mild soap and dry them thoroughly.
• Follow established workplace procedures for glove selection, use, and disposal.

Workers With Latex Allergies

Workers who have been diagnosed with a latex allergy should:

• Avoid direct contact with latex products as recommended by their healthcare provider.
• Notify their supervisor of work-related restrictions or precautions.
• Inform physicians, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare providers about the allergy.
• Consider wearing medical identification indicating the latex allergy.
• Follow medical recommendations regarding precautions and emergency treatment.
• Be aware that airborne particles associated with powdered latex gloves may present an exposure hazard.

Workplace Controls

Workplaces where latex products are regularly used should take appropriate measures to minimize exposure.

• Identify areas and tasks where natural rubber latex products are used.
• Keep work areas clean to minimize accumulation of latex-containing dust.
• Clean contaminated surfaces, upholstery, carpets, ventilation components, and other areas as appropriate.
• Maintain ventilation systems and replace filters and vacuum bags as necessary.
• Provide workers with information and training regarding latex hazards, symptoms, and exposure-control practices.
• Review prevention strategies when a worker develops symptoms or is diagnosed with a latex allergy.

Early recognition and reduction of exposure are important because continued exposure may increase the risk or severity of allergic reactions.