757 Laboratory Safety

Specific Chemical Hazards

Latex

The most common cause of latex allergy is direct contact with latex, a natural plant derivative used in making certain disposable gloves and other products.

Some healthcare workers have been determined to be latex sensitive, with reactions ranging from localized dermatitis (skin irritation) to immediate, possibly life-threatening reactions. Under OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR 1910.132), the employer must ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is accessible at the worksite or issued to workers.

Latex-free gloves, glove liners, powder-free gloves, or other similar alternatives are obtainable and must be readily accessible to those workers who are allergic to latex gloves or other latex-containing PPE.

Latex allergy should be suspected in workers who develop certain symptoms after latex exposure, including:

• nasal, eye, or sinus irritation
• hives or rash
• difficulty breathing
• coughing
• wheezing
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

An exposed worker who exhibits these symptoms should be evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare professional because further exposure could cause a serious allergic reaction.

Once a worker becomes allergic to latex, special precautions are needed to prevent exposures. Certain medications may reduce the allergic symptoms, but complete latex avoidance is the most effective approach.

Appropriate work practices should be used to reduce the chance of reactions to latex. If a worker must wear latex gloves, oil-based hand creams or lotions (which can cause glove deterioration) should not be used unless they have been shown to reduce latex-related problems and maintain glove barrier protection. After removing latex gloves, workers should wash their hands with a mild soap and dry them thoroughly.

For more information on latex, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page and the CDC/NIOSH Safety and Health Topics page.

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