Latex allergy, aggravated by frequent exposure to latex gloves, is becoming common in the medical world . Latex glove allergies are not limited to health care workers. In an effort to improve food handling and sanitary conditions, many restaurants and cafeterias require employees to wear latex gloves. Food service workers can become sensitized to latex and exhibit symptoms similar to those of health care workers. Various state health officials recommend the use of vinyl or other non-latex gloves in the food industry.
Some manufacturers make special powder-free surgical gloves out of vinyl or nitrale.
Although substituting non-latex gloves provides a practical solution to the latex problem, not every hospital or restaurant follows this procedure. And, for the worker who has already developed a latex allergy, the solution may come too late, as he or she still suffers from the effects of a compromised immune system. An upcoming article will list web sites providing medical information, resources, and support groups for the latex allergy sufferer.