Latex

Latex has been shown to cause sensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions following exposure to latex are rapidly increased, most notably in the past few years. Latex is emerging as a potentially serious health problem largely because of the frequency by which individuals come in contact with latex and products containing latex. Exposure to latex through dermal contact, as seen with those individuals who wear latex gloves, is evidenced by a range of symptoms from nonspecific pruritus to urticaria, usually localized to the zone of contact. Inhalation of airborne latex particles may result in conjunctivitis, rhinitis, inflammation, asthma and, in severe cases, bronchospasm and anaphylactic shock. Although the initial presentation of clinical symptoms does seem to depend on the route of exposure, systemic effects (such as tachycardia and cardiovascular collapse) may result from exposure to latex, regardless of the mode.