Denial is something that we physicians are very good at when it comes to our own health. No, I haven't had diagnostic tests. I don't have time. The big deal is that those with type I, IgE mediated, immediate hypersensitivity to latex proteins are at risk - at risk to develop occupational asthma and at risk to develop full blown anaphylaxis upon any exposure to latex. Simply changing gloves is not enough, in part because the powder on other people's gloves spreads latex proteins onto every surface they touch and into the air we all breathe.
Ongoing exposure increases the risk.
According to Brown et. 3 12.5 percent of anesthesiologists studied had antibodies to latex, and 2.4 percent had clinical latex allergy. In other words, they are walking time bombs, who, with continued exposure, may become symptomatic at any time. Those who continue to work after being diagnosed do so only by taking increasing doses of antihistamines. They stop wearing latex gloves.