Latex-induced illnesses : tttthe status quo [Latexerkrankungen : Aktueller Stand]

Abstract

This article presents the development of glove purchasing in all acute hospitals insured by the employers' liability insurance association for the health service and promotion of wellbeing (BGW) since the duty of substitution was introduced and since suspicion of occupational illnesses caused by allergies to natural latex became notifiable. A significant positive correlation was statistically documented between the use of powdered natural latex gloves and the number of cases in which an occupational illness attributable to natural latex allergy was notified. The results show that prevention by means of substitution of unpowdered gloves low in natural latex for powdered gloves with a high allergen content is of decisive importance. This simple countermeasure is easy to implement, and when it is consistently applied it significantly reduces the development of occupational allergies to natural latex and makes it possible for even sensitised members of staff to stay in their workplace. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag.