Latex Allergies
Latex allergies affect a number of healthcare professionals around the world. Repeated exposure to latex can increase symptoms and have been known to lead to developing the allergy. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Those symptoms include:
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Hives or rash
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Scratchy throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylactic shock
(Source: May Clinic)
SASWH has compiled a number of latex allergy resources from across North America, all of which can be found below. If you have a resource suggestion or material you would like to add, please contact us here.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
Falling Out Of Glove - Exposure To Latex Can Make Protection Turn Bitter
American Latex Allergy Association: Latex Allergy 101
To highlight the complexity of latex allergy the Latex Allergy 101 Program was developed. The Program consist of a Latex Allergy 101 Poster and four fact sheets Allergy, Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Food Allergy. The Fact sheets were developed by experts in each of the specialized fields.
Latex Allergy 101 Fact Sheet - Allergy Information
Latex Allergy 101 Fact Sheet - Anaphylaxis
Latex Allergy 101 Fact Sheet - Asthma
Latex Allergy 101 Fact Sheet - Cross-Reactive Foods
American Latex Allergy Association Website
Ontario Nurses Association
Latex Allergy Awareness for Health Care Workers
The Lung Association
Articles
Allergies in the workplace can't be ignored