Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

A Review of Natural‐Rubber Latex Allergy in Health Care Workers

2004; Oxford University Press; Volume: 38; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1086/380789

1537-6591

Peter M. Ranta, Dennis R. Ownby,

Occupational Health and Safety Research

This brief review of natural-rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health care workers (HCWs) includes the definition of NRL allergy and data on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic algorithm, management, long-term outcomes, economic impact, cost-effectiveness of changing facilities to a latex-free environment, and prevention. The data presented suggest that an individual with type I or type IV hypersensitivity to NRL should be able to continue to work in the workplace with careful evaluation and reasonable accommodations. Reducing exposure to latex is a safe and more economical alternative to complete removal of the individual from the place of employment. The use of low-allergen, nonpowdered NRL gloves substantially reduces airborne exposure to latex in most health care settings.