Early on, they urged FDA to require latex content labelling as a safety measure. They pioneered the research that identified the causes of occupational allergy to NRL, and conducted research on alternative materials, bringing these products to market as quickly as possible so that those who are sensitive to NRL have safe and effective alternatives available to them. In fact, some non-latex medical gloves have been available to healthcare workers since the early 1970's. Scientific experts from industry, government and academia have worked hard to develop standard test methods that can be used to assess latex products for levels of allergenic substances. Some of these tests are already being used by manufacturers to better inform users and purchasers of the levels of allergenic substances in NRL products.
Additional tests are still in development.
Latex is an effective barrier against HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other blood-borne or sexually transmitted diseases. Latex has excellent stretching and conforming properties that don't interfere with the fine manual dexterity needed to perform many medical procedures. Globe Enterprises, Inc.