Typical symptoms of such reactions are sneezing and coughing when exposed to the powder from these gloves, as well as a tearing of the eyes and a sense of general discomfort. Like all allergies, these powdered latex glove allergies can develop suddenly, after many years of exposure with no problems. A process of sensitization then develops, and the person s reactions can become more and more severe as the allergy progresses. Eventually an affected person can develop anaphylactic shock, and even die from the allergy. There are alternatives to latex gloves.
Some manufacturers now make gloves without latex powders.
These are now regularly used by the Mayo Clinics and Johns Hopkins Hospital, among other health-care institutions. This position has also been adopted by OSHA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology. The hazards are as real as your consulting contract and tarnished reputation.