Occupational Health Hazard: Latex Allergy
A natural rubber latex allergy is a serious medical problem for a growing number of patients and a disabling occupational disease among health care workers. Allergic reactions to latex range from skin disease to asthma and anaphylaxis that can result in chronic illness, disability, career loss, hardship, and death. About one percent of the population is believed to have a latex allergy, according to the FDA. However, about five to 15 percent of health care workers and other people exposed to latex on the job are estimated to be allergic to latex.
Health care workers become sensitized from recurrent skin contact with allergenic proteins in latex gloves and inhalation of proteins that bind to particles of cornstarch glove powder which becomes airborne. Similarly, patients develop sensitization from exposures to medical gloves and other latex medical devices as well as contact with rubber consumer products. Presently, there is no treatment for latex sensitized persons except complete latex avoidance.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will soon release a Health Hazard Alert on latex sensitivity. ANA believes that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a legal obligation to ensure a safe and healthful work environment; therefore, OSHA must immediately address this life threatening and very debilitating occupational hazard. In addition, ANA believes that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must require labeling of all medical products which contain latex.
ANA urges you to contact OSHA and ask that they develop an enforceable mechanism to protect our patients and all health care providers from this occupational hazard. Second, ANA urges you to contact the FDA requesting the immediate labeling of medical products which contain latex.
Greg Watchman
Assistant Secretary
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - S2315
Washington, D.C. 20210
Dear Assistant Secretary Watchman:
Michael A. Friedman
Commissioner
Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane - Room 14-71
Rockville, MD 20857
Dear Commissioner Friedman: