How big a risk is latex?
With latex allergies more common among healthcare professionals than the general population 1, many hospitals are choosing synthetic surgical gloves.
Latex allergies are a growing concern in the healthcare sector 2. In a recent market research study 93 percent of surgeons and nurses in Europe have a moderate or high concern with the risk of latex-allergic reaction from latex surgical gloves 3.
The risk percentage for healthcare professionals becoming sensitised to latex ranges from 8-17 percent 1. The most important factor that exacerbates a person’s likelihood of being sensitised to latex allergies is the degree of exposure to latex 4.
Even though the prevalence of latex allergy in the general population is low, less than one percent, there is still a risk that patients may be allergic to latex. Some studies show that up to six percent of the population can be latex sensitised 1 2. The prevalence rate for latex sensitivity is 65 percent in patients with spina bifida 5.
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