title: Occupational management of type I latex allergy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the incidence of type 1 latex allergy has decreased in recent years with the introduction of powder-free low-protein (PFLP) latex gloves, type 1 latex allergy is still commonly found among workers who use natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves at work.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To elucidate the optimal management of workers with type 1 latex allergy whose work necessitates the use of NRL gloves in the workplace.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sensitive electronic search of relevant bibliographic databases was performed with related search terms for articles from 1 January 1990 to 1 September 2010. Relevant abstracts were reviewed, and studies that furnished data on the management of type 1 latex allergy in the workplace were extracted. Articles for inclusion in the review were appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 7041 abstracts were retrieved; 12 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. We found moderately strong and consistent evidence that avoidance of NRL in the workplace reduces both symptoms and markers of sensitization in latex-allergic individuals. There is limited evidence that latex-allergic workers can continue to use PFLP gloves with no worsening of symptoms, provided that their co-workers also use PFLP latex or non-latex gloves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals with type 1 latex allergy whose work necessitates them wearing latex gloves may continue in their job provided that adjustments are made to ensure that they are not exposed to powdered latex gloves.
authors: Occupational Health Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK. ira.madan@kcl.ac.uk
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Madan
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Cullinan
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Evidence-based practice; natural rubber latex allergy; occupational health.