Latex hazard - allergic reaction to latex

A Health workers and Occupational Health and Safety practitioners have been aware of the existence of latex allergies for quite some time. Latex is a material derived from the sap of Hevea brasiliensis, commonly known as the rubber tree. Products manufactured from latex are used extensively in the health industry and range from the elastic in theatre caps to catheters. Probably the most widespread latex items used in the health industry are surgical gloves required for universal infection control purposes. This information sheet outlines why is latex, what is a latex allergy, routes of exposure, control measures to prevent latex allergy and reference list.