They are irritation, delayed hypersensitivity in the form of allergic contact dermatitis, and immediate hypersensitivity in the form of anaphylactic shock symptoms. Irritation is classified as non-allergic, but it creates irritated skin which becomes dry, crusty, and leathery with sores and blisters. This response occurs within six to 48 hours following contact with latex. This condition is reversible when contact with latex is ceased. Individuals with delayed hypersensitivity to latex generally have a history of other allergies or dermatitis or asthma.
Immediate hypersensitivity is considered a true allergic reaction.
There are medical tests available for those funeral service professionals who believe they may be sensitive to latex. An emerging and equally serious health issue to funeral service professionals and health care workers as a whole is the largely unrecognized problem of latex allergies. Over the past five years, latex allergy has become a major occupational heath problem in the United States with more than 100,000 health care workers at risk for latex reactions. This time period correlates with the increase use of protective latex products in funeral service and health care as a whole. It is a reasonable statement to make that latex-based items are everywhere in our professional and private lives.