Disposable latex powdered gloves have been in use in medical and laboratory applications for many years. They are used to protect the wearer from toxic chemicals and biological matter. However, since its early days, repeated exposure to latex powder has been known to be harmful to humans. According to the US FDA, between 5 and 20 percent of health workers who regularly come into contact with latex develop allergic reactions ranging from mild irritations to death, as in the case of lab worker Karen Wetterhahn who died of repeated exposure in 1997.
What is latex?
Latex is a naturally occurring milky white fluid secreted by some flowering plants to prevent herbivores from eating their leaves. It contains proteins, starches, alkaloids, oils, tannins, resins, sugars and gums. It coagulates when exposed to air. Commercial latex is prepared synthetically in a laboratory through complex chemical reactions. It was the first material developed to be used to create disposable gloves. Some commonly used synthetic latex products are polyvinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and acrylic polymers.
How is latex used?
Latex has a wide variety of uses; it is found in household products, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. Natural latex is used to make commercial rubber, mattresses, balloons, condoms, examination gloves, swimming caps and catheters. Synthetic latex is used to make coatings, glues and cement additives. It is also used to conceal information on scratch cards. In health care and laboratory applications, latex gloves are used to protect from harsh chemicals and latex powder is used as a lubricant to make it easier to put on and take off gloves - this is where the problem lies.
What is the problem with latex?
Most people who use products with latex in them do not have any allergic reactions. The problem is mostly confined to health care professionals and laboratory technicians who come in contact with latex powder in protective gloves on a regular basis. Latex powder contains soluble proteins that cause sensitization when they come into contact with the skin, which can become full blown allergies. The powder can also become airborne through a process called aerosolization. When the airborne particles are inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions.
What are the allergies caused by latex?
Exposure to latex can result in three types of allergies: irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and latex allergy.
Irritant contact dermatitis: Not really a true allergy, this is the most commonly occurring reaction to latex. Its main symptom is dry, itchy and irritated patches of skin on the hands when using latex powdered gloves. Use of cleaner and sanitizers can also cause the reactions.
Allergic contact dermatitis: Also known as delayed hypersensitivity, is caused by chemicals added to latex during the process of manufacturing. Symptoms begin to appear between 24 and 48 hours after coming into contact. First rashes appear on the affected areas and may spread to the surrounding areas. If not treated in time, the rashes turn into oozing skin blisters.
Latex allergy: Also known as immediate hypersensitivity, it is often more severe than the above two. Some proteins found in latex cause sensitization of the skin. The symptoms appear immediately after coming into contact with the proteins. Reactions range from mild (red skin, hives and itching) to severe (respiratory problems, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat and asthma). In rare cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, which can be fatal.
How can you protect yourself?
If your work involves wearing latex gloves regularly, then the best way to protect yourself is to stop using them altogether and opt for non-latex gloves. There are several effective alternatives available to professionals across all industries. These alternatives include vinyl gloves and gloves made of nitrile –which is a type of synthetic rubber. If your work requires you to wear latex gloves (because they provide the best protection from harsh chemicals like methanol and ketones), you should use powder-free low-protein latex disposable gloves. Long term exposure to latex can be fatal, so you should never take it lightly.
