Latex Allergy
About Latex Allergy
Natural Rubber Latex is an integral part of thousands of everyday consumer and healthcare items. As with many other natural products, natural rubber latex contains proteins to which some individuals may develop an allergy. If you have concerns that you have become allergic to latex in your workplace please contact the Occupational Health Service for an immediate assessment. More About Latex Allergy
University Policy Natural Rubber Latex
In the University Policy on Natural Rubber Latex Gloves (OHS 2/06) it states that powdered latex gloves must never be used in the University, as also noted under University Policy Statement S3/02. Any Natural Rubber Latex gloves should not be used where there are acceptable non-latex alternatives. Any use of latex gloves must be the subject of a written COSHH assessment, by the respective department, consistent with (COSHH) Policy Statement S6/05 (including Appendix 4).Where Natural Rubber Latex gloves are considered essential, gloves with as low a level of extractable (or leachable) protein as is reasonably practicable should be used (manufacturing standards of less than 50μg/g are reasonably achieved). S3/02.LINK: OHS 2/06 Policy on Natural Rubber Latex Gloves
Products Containing Latex
The following products may contain natural rubber latex (this list is not exhaustive).
- Medical Equipment
- Examination and Surgical gloves
- Oral and Nasal airways
- Endotracheal tubes
- Intravenous tubing
- Rubber aprons
- Catheters
- Injection ports
- Bungs and needle sheaths on medicines
- Wound drains
- Dental dams
- Anaesthesia masks
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Syringes
- Stethoscopes
- Tourniquets
- Electrode pads
- Surgical masks
- Consumer items
- Erasers
- Rubber bands
- Balloons
- Condoms
- Contraceptive cap
- Baby teats
- Hot water bottles*
- Stress balls
- Sports equipment (eg hand grips and gym mats)
- Swimming cap and goggles
- Washing-up gloves
- Carpets
- Adhesives
- Tyres *
- Underwear elastic
- Shoe soles*
- Calculator/remote control buttons
* dry rubber