New York N. Carolina N. Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Penn. Latex By Jon L. Gelman Protective gloves may seem like an unlikely occupational hazard. But latex allergies in which individuals exposed to latex gloves and other latex products become sensitized and develop allergic reactions are becoming more common among workers compensation claims throughout the United States. Between 25 percent and 40 percent of those who wear latex gloves develop a mild reaction. Type IV hypersensitivity is a delayed reaction involving contact dermatitis.
Inflammation occurs several hours and possibly up to four days after exposure to latex.
The third type is the most serious. Type I hypersensitivity occurs when an antigen interacts with an antibody. The immune system responds within two hours after exposure and sometimes the reaction is immediate. Type I hypersensitivity is the one that most latex claims for workers compensation and products liability are based upon. I latex allergy sensitivity have resulted in awards to the worker.