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NEWS & INFORMATION
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Source To Surgery - January 1993, Vol. 1 Issue
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Latex Allergy - Why Not?
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A number of theories are evolving as to why there are
continually increasing reports of latex allergy, according to Dr.
Jay Slater, National Children's Hospital, Washington D.C., editorial J.
Allergy Clinical Immunology, September 1992.
"If latex allergy is a new phenomenon, why is it happening now?
Many speculative explanations exist. It is most likely that changes in
latex manufacturing methods or usage patterns have been important
factors. If so, then occupational health officials, epidemiologists,
allergists and basic scientists have a unique opportunity to collaborate
in the study of the evolution of this disorder. The lessons that we learn
may help us to prevent future outbreaks of hypersensitivity to
materials that we currently consider to be biologically inert."
Another theory maintains we are now suffering a "down stream
effect" from the latex glove shortages in 1987-89. During that period,
latex gloves were in short supply due to the U.S. HIV reaction and
CDC recommendations prior to issuing of OSHA Universal
Precautions. In this shortage period, many new Asian glove
manufacturers suddenly appeared on the market. These inexperienced
manufacturers were probably unaware of the benefits of proper
leaching during the manufacturing process. Fresh water leaching and
after process washing are responsible for removal of most of the water
soluble latex proteins some of which are currently felt to be causing
latex allergy. Should this theory be valid, then it is likely that many
health care workers and patients exposed to unleached gloves may
have been sensitized by latex allergens.
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