Inhaled cornstarch glove powder increases latex-induced airway hyper-sensitivity in guinea-pigs

Latex glove use by food handlers: the case for nonlatex gloves

There is increasing concern that continued exposure to latex products can predispose individuals, particularly those who are atopic (allergy prone), to latex allergy. Latex allergy as a serious hazard has been well documented in the health care industry. There are also well-documented cases of food handlers who have had allergic reactions after the use of latex gloves. The contamination of food with latex proteins by food handlers using latex gloves can also result in potentially severe allergic reactions in latex-allergic consumers. We review latex allergy and present the case for avoiding latex glove use by food handlers in the food and hospitality industries. Adopting the use of nonlatex gloves has benefits for workers, consumers, and the food industry.

Prevention of latex sensitization in guinea pigs by a bacterial and viral filter used in anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Preventing anaphylactic reactions as a result of natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins is an important concern in anaesthesia. The clinical relevance of a bacterial/viral filter (Pall BB25) in preventing sensitization to NRL by inhalation was tested in guinea pigs.

METHODS

Guinea pigs (n=8-10 in each group) were exposed to aerosolized NRL-contaminated cornstarch powder or to NRL in saline for 1 h every day for 2 weeks. The experiments were repeated with a Pall BB25 filter placed over the aerosol system. Control groups were exposed to non-contaminated cornstarch or to saline alone. Three weeks after the last exposure, specific bronchial challenge was performed and thromboxane (Tx) B2 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured.

RESULTS

After bronchial challenge, the animals exposed to NRL or NRL-contaminated cornstarch with the BB25 filter in place showed a level of bronchoconstriction (i.e. the variation of pulmonary insufflation pressure) not different from controls. Conversely, those exposed to NRL or NRL-contaminated cornstarch without the filter showed a higher level of bronchoconstriction (respectively, P<0.02 and P<0.001) than control. Elevated TxB2 levels were found in the lungs of the guinea pigs, which inhaled NRL or NRL-contaminated cornstarch in the absence of a filter. Animals treated with the filter showed comparable TxB2 levels with those of control.

CONCLUSION

The Pall BB25 filter efficiently protected the guinea pigs from sensitization to NRL. This filter can be used as a complementary measure for avoidance of NRL contact during surgical procedures particularly if the mechanical ventilator apparatus contain NRL devices.

Le gantage chirurgical en France : une évolution lente mais nécessaire

Since the end of the 19th century, surgeons have used gloves to prevent infectious complications to the patient. The AIDS epidemic of the 1980's sparked the use of universal precautions to protect the surgeon from infection and vice-versa. The interface between surgeon and patient is in effect a two-way street. Surgical techniques must be modified and barrier protection optimized to minimize these risks. A single layer glove is a fragile barrier to blood exposure; unrecognized glove perforations may lead to unrecognized and prolonged exposure. Double gloving, though far from being a widespread practice in France, seems to be the best protection from pathogen exposure. Glove powder and latex allergies have their own inherent risks to both surgeon and patient in the form of latex allergies and adhesive peritonitis. New institutional protocols will be necesssary in order to make powder-free non-latex gloves available to French surgeons.

Occupation-related allergies in dentistry

BACKGROUND

Allergies to natural rubber latex (NRL) were unknown in dentistry until 1987. That changed with the publication of a report documenting NRL-based anaphylaxis in a dental worker. This case and others prompted regulatory and manufacturing changes in rubber products and increased awareness throughout the profession. However, other common dental chemicals cause allergic reactions and irritation and often are handled with insufficient precautions. Although recognition of NRL allergy has improved, awareness of other potential allergens and irritants in dentistry still is limited.

OVERVIEW

Recent research indicates that the prevalence of NRL protein allergy may be decreasing. In contrast, occupation-related dermatoses associated with other dental products may be more common. Encounters with bonding agents, disinfectants, rubber, metals and detergents can cause occupation-based irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. These conditions may be found in more than one-quarter of dental and medical personnel. Therefore, dental-specific information about the recognition and management of allergic and irritant reactions is needed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The prevalence of occupation-related dermatitis may be increasing in dentistry. Reducing exposure to potential irritants and allergens and educating personnel about proper skin care are essential to reversing this trend.