While the latex problem is not exclusive to the health care industry it affects its workers in much larger numbers than the general population. Since 1987 there has been a sevenfold increase in glove usage, a direct response to the HIV epidemic. As a result, the number of reported allergy cases has skyrocketed as well. Although much more is known about latex allergies today than a few years ago, many questions remain unanswered. While there is no cure, treatments ranging from antihistamines to steroids to epinephrine have been successful in helping those afflicted with the symptoms.
Experts agree that the allergy is caused by some of the many proteins found in natural rubber latex.
However, there is still no standard or consensus as to which proteins are allergenic and which are not. Thus a sensitized patient could react to even the slightest presence of latex. Latex allergy seems to be unpredictable, but continuous expo-sure seems to increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Allergic reactions to the proteins are not limited to direct contact with latex. The donning powders used in the manufacturing process absorb the proteins and are released into the air creating airborne allergens that can be inhaled by anyone in proximity.