Latex
Some workers may be at risk of developing health effects from using disposable latex gloves, such as:
- irritant contact dermatitis
- allergic contact dermatitis
- latex allergy
Latex allergy can include symptoms such as hives, itchy eyes, runny nose and asthma. In rare and extreme cases, some people can experience a potentially severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This requires emergency medical treatment.
Control measures
- Eliminate non-essential use of latex gloves e.g. provide non-latex gloves for work activities, such as applying hair dyes, that do not involve exposure to blood or body substances.
- Substitute latex gloves with lower risk products e.g. provide reduced protein, powder-free latex gloves or vinyl gloves for work activities involving exposure to blood and body substances.
- Instruct workers to wash their hands with soap and water after removing latex gloves to remove natural rubber latex proteins from skin.
- Provide workers with information about latex allergy.
- Make sure workers do not use oil-based creams or lotions with latex gloves, as these can cause the gloves to deteriorate.
- Make sure the work areas that may be contaminated by latex dust are cleaned regularly.
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