Type IV reactions, which include symptoms like eczema, hives and other skin rashes, is most often seen among workers in health care and other industries requiring repeated contact with latex. Children who are exposed to latex through repeated early-age surgeries, such as those with spina bifida, are also at high risk for developing latex allergy. A latex allergy beginning with a Type IV reaction can lead to eventual Type I reactions, said Borel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population and 8 percent to 12 percent of health-care workers suffer from latex allergies. Latex is the milky sap of the commercial rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis.
Most latex is produced in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Latex traces can be found in food when packaging materials contain latex or food handlers like cafeteria workers and farmers handle products with latex gloves. Borel said 30 percent of people with a latex allergy develop cross-allergies to foods with similar molecular structures, like bananas, kiwi, avocados and chestnuts. Taking steps Dr. Michael Clayton, who teaches medicine at UNM and runs a private medical practice, said he has seen health care workers who have latex allergies. It has been a career-limiting problem. The careers of nurses and doctors around the country have ended prematurely because of it.