Prevalence of latex allergy in a dental school.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of latex allergy in dental workers.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey of staff of a dental school.


METHODS
The Westmead Dental School, a large dental facility in western Sydney.


METHODS
230 staff members of the Westmead Dental School (consisting of general and specialist dentists, chairside assistants and registered nurses, laboratory technicians, dental therapists and hygienists) received questionnaires.


METHODS
The prevalence of latex allergy, defined by prompt onset of hand urticaria with or without generalised symptoms, and the prevalence of hand dermatitis and other glove-related symptoms. Also, the relationship between latex allergy and associated atopic status.


RESULTS
177 staff (77%) responded by the set collection date; 33% reported symptoms related to wearing gloves and 22% satisfied the criteria for glove dermatitis. Sixteen respondents (9%) reported characteristics suggestive of latex-glove allergy.


CONCLUSIONS
Confirmation of the 9% prevalence of latex allergy among dental workers will require further studies incorporating an objective measure of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.
Katelaris
C H
CH
Department of Immunology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
Widmer
R P
RP
Lazarus
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D003726:Dental Assistants; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003815:Dentists; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000209:etiology; D007754:Laboratories, Dental; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012575:Schools, Dental
D012408:Rubber