However, as many as 1 in 10 are sensitized to latex, that is they have a blood or skin reaction to the substance and may be at high risk for developing allergies, according to a study presented recently at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology meeting. These reactions become progressively worse with repeated exposures, so it's important to identify both those who are sensitized and those who already have allergy symptoms, said Dr. Robert G. Hamilton in a statement released by Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Allergy can develop when workers are constantly exposed to latex in surgical gloves, or if they inhale the latex-contaminated corn starch powder used to keep the gloves from sticking to each other. Hamilton and colleagues have developed a skin test for latex allergy, which has been submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for approval. In the new study, the researchers tested 168 anesthesiologists for such allergies.
Sensitized individuals can switch to gloves made of different material, such as polyvinyl.