Follow-up study of dental workers with removal of latex exposure

Download printable PDF

	Title	Follow-up study of dental workers with removal of latex exposure
	Year	2000
CREOD Investigators		Joan Saary, A Khanani, Susan Tarlo, Linn Holness
CREOD Research Program		Occupational Skin Disease
Research Theme		Prevention
Funder		Unfunded
Product Type		Student project
Background		In the 1990’s a high rate of latex allergy was found in dental workers. One of the possible reasons was the use of powdered latex gloves. A change to non-powdered gloves was introduced in a dental school as a prevention strategy.
Study Focus (Research Question/Goals/ Methods)		The objective of the study was to determine if the change to non-powered latex gloves led to a decrease in latex sensitivity in dental school staff and students. A survey was conducted including a questionnaire and skin prick testing to natural rubber latex extract. And results compared to a similar survey conducted when powdered latex gloves were in use.
Key Findings		There was a reduction in itchy and urticaria and positive prick test to latex (3% vs 10%) in the follow-up survey. In students who had entered the school after the introduction of powder free gloves, no positive skin prick tests to latex were found.
Implications for Health/Labour Policy and Practice		The use of non-powdered latex gloves may lead to a decrease in latex sensitization in health care workers.
Publication Information		Publications Saary MJ, Tarlo SM, Kanani A, Holness DL. Reduction in rates of latex sensitivity among dental students and staff after changes in latex gloves. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2001;163:A809. Saary MJ, Tarlo SM, Holness DL. Cutaneous complaints and exposure factors in dental students. Am J Contact Derm 2002;13:90. Presentations Saary MJ, Tarlo SM, Holness DL. Cutaneous complaints and exposure factors in dental students. American Contact Dermatitis Society Annual Meeting, New Orleans, February 2002.