title: [Research into sensitization and allergies to latex: results after 10 years of the use of powder-free latex gloves].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the prevalence of sensitization and allergy to natural rubber latex amongst Erasmus Medical Centre (MC) operating theatre employees before and 10 years after the introduction of powder-free latex gloves.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Employees working permanently in the operating theatre were evaluated in 1998 (n = 163) and in 2009 (n = 178) for sensitization and allergies to natural latex by means of questionnaires, serological analyses and skin testing. The prevalence of sensitization and allergies within these 2 groups was then established and compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two groups were comparable in terms of gender, smoking habits, job classification, work-related symptoms and the number of individuals who had atopy. In 2009, the prevalence of sensitization to latex was statistically significantly lower than in 1998 (4.5 vs. 14.1%). Allergy to latex was also established a statistically significantly fewer number of times in 2009 than in 1998 (2.8 vs. 9.8%). This same trend could be observed in the subgroup that participated both years (n = 49). Individuals with an atopic constitution had a statistically significant higher risk of developing hypersensitivity to natural latex; the risk of developing an allergy to latex was also higher, but not significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After the study in 1998, the introduction of sterile, powder-free latex gloves very likely led to a decline in the prevalence of sensitization and allergy to natural latex in 2009.
authors: Reinier de Graaf Groep, locatie Diaconessenhuis, Delfts Allergie Centrum, Voorburg, the Netherlands. grooth@rdgg.nl
authors: Hans
authors: H
authors: de Groot
authors: Jiska A
authors: JA
authors: Patiwael
authors: Nicolette  W
authors: N
authors: de Jong
authors: Alex
authors: A
authors: Burdorf
authors: Roy Gerth
authors: RG
authors: van Wijk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D015995:Prevalence; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007840:Latex