Alison Bell Memorial Award. Latex sensitivity and allergy: fact and fiction.

Abstract

Health care workers (HCW) have a higher incidence of latex sensitivity than car maintenance workers! The wearing of latex gloves over several years increases the risk of developing latex allergy! All glove related skin reactions are due to latex! People with spina bifida have a high incidence of latex sensitivity! There is a relationship between allergies to natural latex rubber and avocados, chestnuts and bananas! We should all stop using latex products! Powdered gloves are as safe as unpowdered ones, as long as they are rinsed well!