title: Identification and practical management of latex allergy in occupational settings.
abstract: Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis is a relevant occupational health hazard. The use of gloves and products manufactured with latex and environmental allergen exposure in the work environment are risks factors for the development of occupational allergy among different job categories. Healthcare workers have been the most commonly affected, but other professions with exposure to latex products such as hairdressers, cleaners, food handlers and those making natural rubber latex (NRL) products are also at risk of developing occupational allergy. Clinical manifestations of IgE-mediated latex allergy can range from troublesome skin disorders to life-threatening systemic reactions. It is very important to identify the occupational allergic diseases in their early stages in order to implement avoidance strategies. For this purpose, the interventions for prevention should emphasize the importance of latex allergy awareness and surveillance among exposed workforces.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: María Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Caballero
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quirce
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D028482:Hevea / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012408:Rubber / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D012408:Rubber
keywords: component-resolved diagnosis; immunotherapy; latex allergens; latex allergy; natural rubber latex; occupational allergy; occupational asthma; specific IgE antibodies