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608 Dental Office Safety
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Powder-Free Gloves

Proteins responsible for latex allergies are attached to glove powder. When powdered gloves are worn, more latex protein reaches the skin. Also, when gloves are put on or removed, particles of latex protein powder become aerosolized and can be inhaled, contacting mucous membranes. As a result, allergic dental health care personnel and patients can experience symptoms related to cutaneous, respiratory, and conjunctival exposure.

Dental health care personnel can become sensitized to latex proteins after repeated exposure. Work areas where only powder-free, low-allergen gloves are used show low or undetectable amounts of allergy-causing proteins.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-11. When are particles of latex protein powder from gloves most likely to be inhaled?