A review of latex sensitivity related to the use of latex gloves in hospitals.
Beginning in the 1980s, use of latex gloves to protect health care workers against exposure to blood and body fluids increased. Since then, the number of reported cases of latex sensitivity also has increased. Reactions to latex range from contact dermatitis to anaphylactic shock. Low-powder, powder-free, and non-latex gloves provide alternatives to protect health care workers from occupational latex exposure.
Administrative Division, Women's Integral Health Center, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Rosimeire Aparecida Mendes
RA
Lopes
Maria Cecília Cardoso
MC
Benatti
Ricardo de Lima
Rde L
Zollner
D000569:Americas / Q000453:epidemiology; D001938:Brazil; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence
D007840:Latex