Acute shock, asthma and hay fever are just some of the symptoms of latex allergy, says Professor Paul Potter, head of the hospital's Allergy Unit. But prolonged exposure to the material can cause an allergy. Latex gloves are used widely in health services and are at least seven times cheaper than non-latex ones. Powdered latex gloves are the biggest headache for healthcare workers as the powder causes latex proteins to become airborne. This will prevent further people from developing allergies.
Diagnosis is made by a blood or skin-prick test.