ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)70152
CIS number 97-1989
ISSN - Serial title 0140-6736 - Lancet
Year 1997
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Poole C.J.M.
Title Hazards of powdered surgical gloves
Bibliographic information 4 Oct. 1997, Vol.350, No.9083, p.973-974. 7 ref.
Abstract This brief communication describes allergic reactions associated with the use of latex surgical gloves. Type I hypersensitivity to latex proteins is being increasingly reported among health-care workers; several fatal allergic reactions have been reported. Latex proteins have been shown to adhere to the starch powder often used to facilitate the donning of gloves, thereby creating a protein-polysaccharide complex which can act as a potent aeroallergen. It is recommended that the use of powdered gloves and gloves that are high in extractable proteins should be discontinued.
Descriptors (primary) protective gloves; health services; latex; allergens
Descriptors (secondary) proteins; starch; skin tests
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUnited Kingdom
Subject(s) Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Health care services
Hand and arm protection