Latex gloves have proved effective in preventing transmission of
many infectious diseases to health care workers. But for some
workers, exposure to latex may result in allergic reactions.
Reports of such reactions have increased in recent years -
especially among health care workers. What is latex? Latex
products are manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the
rubber tree, hevea brasiliensis. Several types of synthetic
rubber are also referred to as "latex," but these do not cause
allergic reactions. What is latex allergy? Latex allergy is a
reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The amount of
latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic
reaction is unknown. Increasing the exposure to latex proteins
increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. In
sensitized persons, symptoms usually begin within minutes of
exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite
varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, hives, or
itching. More severe reactions may involve respi