Latex
Sensitivity
Aerotech
IAQ Tech Tip #41...
Allergy
to natural rubber latex, commonly referred to as latex, appears to
have been an uncommon occurrence before 1980.
The reason for the proliferation of cases after that time
remains unclear. Initial European reports of latex hypersensitivity
described an unusual frequency of anaphylactic and other significant
reactions in individuals. The
majority of the affected individuals were healthcare workers,
confirmed by the presence of latex-specific-IgE in a majority of the
cases. In the United
States, attention to latex allergy was prompted by reports of several
fatalities due to anaphylaxis induced by latex retention balloons used
in barium enema procedures and by frequent intra-operative anaphylaxis
among children with spina bifida, attributed to the high prevalence of
latex allergy among these children induced by early and repeated
exposures. During the
last five years, increasing evidence has accumulated that latex
allergy has become a major occupational health problem, epidemic in
scope, especially among healthcare workers and others where there is
significant occupational exposure to latex products.
It has been estimated that between 8% and 17% of exposed
healthcare workers, numbering well over one hundred thousand
employees, are at risk for latex reactions.
There
are currently no governmental or industrial regulations concerning
allowable levels of latex allergens.
Air sampling is not recommended as the primary method for
assessing exposure to latex in most circumstances as the allergens are
carried on particulates that are greater than 7 microns and settle
very rapidly from the air. Airborne
exposures most commonly occur in rubber processing plants or only
briefly following applications of latex gloves by personnel.
As such, airborne sampling techniques generally require long
sampling times and should be performed immediately during and after
aerosolization during such times as glove application by healthcare
professionals. Extended
(6 to 8 hour) air sampling onto filter cassettes has been used
successfully. In most circumstances air testing should be performed in
conjunction with surface/dust sampling techniques.
Surface
and dust sampling techniques involve the capture of dust particles by
the use of a filter collection device such as the CarpetChekä or
DustChekä. The sample
should contain at least 0.5 grams of dust (1 gram is approximately
equivalent to a thimbleful). Samples
are rapidly analyzed using the inhibition ELISA method with results
being reported in 3 to 5 days
