Latex

What is latex? ! Single use latex gloves – Latex gloves are the
main cause of latex allergies. Some latex
gloves contain powder to
Natural Rubber Latex (latex) make them easier to put
is a milky fluid found in many on. This powder can
plants, including the rubber tree. become airborne causing
respiratory symptoms and
asthma.
Latex is used to
make many rubber ! Condoms, catheters, toy
products, such as balloons, dental dams.
car tires, rubber
gloves, and Signs and Symptoms of Latex Allergy
balloons. The
commercially grown There are different types of reactions to latex,
Hevea Brasiliensis ranging in severity from skin rashes to
tree, which grows in anaphylaxis.
Africa and Southeast Asia, is the main
source of latex. Latex contains many Irritant Dermatitis – This is not a true allergy, but
allergy causing proteins (allergens). can happen if you who wear latex or other
protective gloves. The combination of frequent
How the latex is processed is hand washing, strong soaps, hand moisturizers,
and body perspiration, can cause symptoms of
important dry, itchy, red hands. Although not an allergy this
may happen before you develop a latex allergy.
Most latex (about 90%) is processed at It is important for you to see a health care
very high temperatures, into dry sheets or professional about these symptoms.
crumbled particles, which
are then used to make Allergic Contact Dermatitis – A sore, red, itchy
hard, molded rubber rash, possibly with small bumps that ooze fluid,
products. The high heat which starts within one to four days after
and lengthy process exposure. Ongoing, regular exposure to latex
breaks down the allergens. can cause thick, scaly skin.
Moulded rubber products
do not usually cause Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis – Respiratory
allergies, although they can cause symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny
reactions in very latex allergic individuals. nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Exposure
Examples of these products include shoe to airborne latex, found in powdered latex gloves
soles, car tires and rubber balls. and in rubber balloons, can cause asthma.

The remainder of latex (about 10%) is Anaphylaxis – Although rare, some individuals
treated with chemicals to prevent bacterial can have life threatening reactions to latex
growth, and then used to make soft, dipped exposure, including swelling of the airway,
rubber products on porcelain moulds. breathing difficulties, problems with blood
These products contain more allergens and pressure, and even death. This is an emergency
are the main cause of latex allergies. and requires emergency treatment.
Examples of these products are:

Published by the MFL Occupational Health Centre ! 102 - 275 Broadway ! Winnipeg MB ! R3C 4M6 ! 204-949-0811
Latex allergies can be complicated and difficult There is no known cure for latex allergy. Some
to diagnose. If you suspect you have a latex medications can help with symptoms. People with
allergy you should talk to your primary health latex allergy need to avoid exposure to latex.
care provider, who may refer you to an allergy
specialist. What should your employer do?
Who is at highest risk? Employers are legally responsible for providing a
safe and healthy work environment for all their
People with frequent exposure to latex employees. The employer can:
products at work, particularly where single use
gloves are used, are at highest risk for latex T Work with the Joint Health and Safety
allergy. Occupations in which single use committee to assess the risk of latex exposure,
gloves are commonly used include health care and identify solutions to create a safer
workers, hairdressers, restaurant workers, environment.
domestic workers, security personnel, T Eliminate latex products in the workplace, as
construction workers, greenhouse much as possible.
workers/gardeners, painters, funeral home T Substitute latex gloves with latex-free gloves.
workers, police, paramedics and firefighters. (If latex gloves are the only option, provide
powder free gloves).
If you have had many surgical or medical T Develop policies and procedures to eliminate
procedures, particularly from a young age, you or minimize the use of latex products.
are also at risk to develop latex allergy. You T Provide education to workers on latex allergies,
are also more likely to develop latex allergy if and safe work procedures to reduce the risk.
you have other sensitivities and allergies
including atopic eczema. What should you do if you have a latex
allergy?
Food and Latex
T Inform your employer if you have been
If you are allergic to latex, it is also very diagnosed with a latex allergy.
common for you to have allergies to certain T Work with your employer, health and safety
foods. Foods which are highly associated with committee, and union or employee
latex allergy include banana, kiwi and avocado representative, to develop a plan for
decreasing potential exposure to latex.
Other foods which are sometimes T Avoid latex products, both in and out of the
associated with latex allergy include, but aren’t workplace.
limited to apple, carrot, mango, oranges, T Wear an allergy alert bracelet.
chestnuts, peanuts, celery, melon, papaya, T Carry an epi-pen, if recommended by your
tomato and potato. physician, and ensure that a co-worker knows
how to help in case of severe anaphylactic
Being aware of the association between reaction.
latex and foods can help you identify potential
risks. For more information please contact

What should you do if you believe MFL Occupational Health Cenre

you have a latex allergy? 102 - 275 Broadway
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4M6
If you believe you have a latex allergy you Phone: 204-949-0811
should speak to your primary health care Fax: 204-956-0848
provider, who may refer to you to a specialist. Email: mflohc@[Link]
Website: [Link]
March 2017