Latex allergy literature review: evidence for making military treatment facilities latex safe.
Latex allergy has become the epidemic of the 1990s for health care workers, as indicated by a remarkable increase in its prevalence. This literature review provides a brief background to the latex problem, strategies for prevention and management, a cost analysis of glove substitution in a clinical setting, and the implications for the military environment. Primary care providers must recognize the financial, medico-legal, occupational, and personal ramifications of latex allergy. Risk managers should realize that moving to a latex-free environment will reduce liability.
Reese
D J
DJ
Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Dental Clinic 5, Residency Clinic, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA.
Reichl
R B
RB
McCollum
J
J
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D008889:Military Personnel; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology