Occupational asthma caused by latex in a surgical glove manufacturing plant.
A 33-year-old latex glove inspector was diagnosed as having occupational asthma on the basis of peak flow and methacholine-responsiveness changes related to workplace exposure. She had latex sensitivity by skin prick testing. This finding led to a survey of her workplace. Of the 81 workers, 84% completed a questionnaire to assess work-related respiratory symptoms, 79% underwent skin prick testing to latex and six other workplace chemicals, and 62% performed workshift spirometry. Seven workers had spirometric changes consistent with asthma, of whom five had greater than or equal to 15% fall in FEV1 during the workshift. Six of these workers underwent methacholine-challenge testing, and three were found to have a significant improvement in responsiveness to methacholine away from work, suggestive of occupational asthma. Two of these workers had positive skin test responses to latex. Including the index case, 6% of workers who had pulmonary function testing had findings of latex-related occupational asthma. Skin test responses to latex occurred in 11% of workers tested. Our findings suggest that latex should be considered among the causes of occupational asthma.
Tarlo
S M
SM
Toronto General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Wong
L
L
Roos
J
J
Booth
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D009864:Ontario; D012882:Skin Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D007840:Latex