Pseudo-latex allergy associated with "latex" paint exposure: a potential cause of iatrogenic disability.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to describe outcomes for three health care workers with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy reporting illness after exposure to latex paint.


METHODS
We undertook a retrospective review of medical and occupational histories, diagnostic, treatment, and work recommendations. Outcomes included lost time, workers compensation indemnity costs, and return to work.


RESULTS
None of the paints contained NRL. Cases 1 and 2 initially were misdiagnosed as suffering allergic reactions to NRL, resulting in 7 and 23 months lost time, $15,790 and $139,000 indemnity costs, respectively, and both failing to return to work. Case 3 was correctly diagnosed as not exposed to NRL, with only several lost days, no indemnity costs, and continued to work.


CONCLUSIONS
The failure to recognize that synthetic paints do not contain NRL can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate exposure, and work avoidance recommendations and iatrogenic disability.
Kales
Stefanos N
SN
Department of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. skales@challiance.org
Lee
Ernest C
EC
D000328:Adult; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D010150:Paint / Q000009:adverse effects; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics
D013256:Steroids