Workers exposed to latex gloves or other products containing natural rubber latex may develop allergic reactions. Some synthetic rubbers are also called “latex,” but they do not release the proteins that trigger these allergic responses.
Latex Allergies
Latex allergy was first identified in the late 1970s and has since become a significant workplace health concern. Healthcare workers, who frequently use latex gloves or medical products containing latex, are particularly at risk. Studies estimate that 8–12% of healthcare workers are sensitive to latex.
Workers in healthcare—including physicians, nurses, dentists, and technicians—are at the highest risk due to frequent glove use. However, workers with less frequent glove exposure, such as hairdressers, housekeepers, and food service workers, as well as those in industries that manufacture latex products, may also develop latex allergies.
Common allergic reactions to natural rubber latex exposure include:
- Skin rashes (e.g., hives)
- Respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or wheezing from airborne latex particles
- Asthma
- Shock (rare cases)