Please Note: This Technical Information Bulletin (TIB) is currently under review by OSHA. OSHA is reviewing the medical literature and studies. Among other issues, OSHA is assessing the accuracy of the TIB’s use of dissimilar terms interchangeably, and examining the TIB’s reliance on protein levels rather than allergen level as the relevant factor for determining the allergenicity of natural rubber latex gloves. This TIB will be revised as appropriate. The updated TIB will be available soon. |
Types of Reactions
Type Reaction | Symptoms/Signs | Cause | Prevention / Management |
---|---|---|---|
Irritant Contact Dermatitis |
scaling, drying, cracking of skin |
direct skin irritation by gloves, powder, soaps/detergents, incomplete hand drying |
Obtain medical diagnosis, avoid irritant product, consider use of cotton glove liners, consider alternative gloves/products |
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Type IV delayed hypersensitivity or allergic contact sensitivity) |
blistering, itching, crusting, (similar to poison ivy reaction) |
accelerators (e.g., thiurams, carbamates, benzothiazoles) processing chemicals (e.g., biocides, antioxidants) Consider penetration of glove barrier by chemicals |
Obtain medical diagnosis, identify chemical. Consider use of glove liners such as cotton Use alternative glove material without chemical Assure glove material is suitable for intended use (proper barrier) |
NRL Allergy — IgE/histamine mediated (Type I immediate hypersensitivity) ---------------- A) Localized contact urticaria which may be associated with or progress to: B) Generalized Reaction |
---------------- Hives in area of contact with NRL ---------------- Include: generalized urticaria, rhinitis, wheezing, swelling of mouth, shortness of breath. Can progress to anaphylactic shock |
NRL proteins: direct contact with or breathing NRL proteins, including glove powder containing proteins, from powdered gloves or the environment |
Obtain medical diagnosis, allergy consultation, substitute non-NRL gloves for affected worker and other non-NRL products Eliminate exposure to glove powder — use of reduced protein, powder free gloves for coworkers Clean NRL-containing powder from environment Consider NRL safe environment |