AAOHN issues statement on latex sensitivity
Nursing group calls for immediate action
Latex sensitivity is a serious occupational health problem and requires the immediate attention of occupational health providers, according to a position statement issued recently by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) in Atlanta.
The position statement represents the AAOHN’s conclusion that sensitivity to latex is a problem for more than just health care workers. The issue has received considerable attention in recent years as health care workers developed allergic reactions to the latex gloves and other items so commonly used in health care settings. As a result, many health care facilities have developed programs to screen workers for latex sensitivity and help those workers avoid contact with latex items. (See Latex Allergy Decision Tree, below.)
Now the AAOHN says the same philosophy is appropriate in other workplaces. "Natural rubber latex sensitivity/allergy is an occupational hazard for a rapidly growing number of workers, particularly in health care settings and manufacturing settings involving natural rubber latex," states a recently issued position statement. "It causes serious and debilitating illness, and it is a known cause of occupational fatality. It is costly for employers and employees."
Preventing sensitization and eliminating exposure for those already sensitive to latex can be difficult and expensive, but the AAOHN cautions that the resulting allergic reaction and disability can be devastating for individual workers. If the reaction is severe, the employer’s obligations can cost far more than preventive measures.
Take these actions now!
The AAOHN advises occupational health providers to "immediately" take these actions:
- Provide proper treatment, job accommodation and/or placement to employees who are sensitive or allergic to natural rubber latex so that the employees are not further exposed.
- Occupational and environmental health researchers should make a high priority of determining causes, intervention measures, and prevention strategies for latex sensitivity and allergy. Researchers also should develop non-latex alternatives.
- Identify employers who manufacture natural rubber latex products or whose employees use large numbers of these products in their jobs, and then develop aggressive programs to identify employees at risk. Appropriate employee education programs should be implemented along with administrative and engineering controls to prevent exposure.
Health care workers are at the greatest risk because of frequent exposure to natural rubber latex. Research has suggested that up to 12% of health care workers are sensitive to latex. Other workers at risk include environmental service workers, hair stylists, gardeners, and natural rubber processing workers.
Natural rubber latex is used in more than 40,000 commonly used products.
Synthetic latex, such as that found in latex paint, is not associated with latex sensitivity and allergy.
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