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170 Healthcare: Latex Allergy
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170 Healthcare: Latex Allergy

Employer Responsibilities

Latex allergy can be prevented only if employers adopt policies to protect workers from undue latex exposures.

Poster showing various safety training methods
Educate and train employees.

Detecting symptoms early and removing symptomatic workers from latex exposure are essential for preventing long-term health effects. NIOSH recommends employers take the following steps to protect workers from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace:

  1. Ensure workers use good housekeeping practices to remove latex-containing dust from the workplace:
    • Identify areas contaminated with latex dust for frequent cleaning.
    • Make sure that workers change ventilation filters and vacuum bags frequently in latex-contaminated areas.
  2. Provide workers with education programs and training materials about latex allergy.
  3. Periodically screen high-risk workers for latex allergy symptoms.
  4. Evaluate current prevention strategies whenever a worker is diagnosed with latex allergy.

Employee Responsibilities

Workers should take the following steps to protect themselves from latex exposure and allergy in the workplace:

  1. Use non-latex gloves for activities that are not likely to involve contact with infectious materials.
  2. If you choose latex gloves, use only powder-free gloves with reduced protein content. "Hypoallergenic" latex gloves do not reduce the risk of latex allergy. However, they may reduce reactions to chemical additives in the latex (allergic contact dermatitis).
  1. When wearing latex gloves, do not use oil-based hand creams or lotions (which can cause glove deterioration) unless they have been shown to reduce latex related problems and maintain glove barrier protection.
  2. After removing latex gloves, wash hands with a mild soap and dry thoroughly.
  3. Use good housekeeping practices to remove latex-containing dust from the workplace. Frequently clean areas contaminated with latex dust (upholstery, carpets, and ventilation ducts).

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-12. What should you do immediately after removing latex gloves?

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