Protecting Workers and Building Occupants in Puerto Rico from Exposure to Latex and Other Airborne Allergens

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in latex rubber. Natural latex rubber is manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Latex has been used in many products over the years, but unfortunately, sensitivity to latex exposure can develop in some people.

Reactions could include:

• Irritant Contact Dermatitis
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)
• Latex Allergy (immediate hypersensitivity)

To help prevent certain latex exposures, some state and local governments have taken action. California’s Latex Glove Safety Law went into effect in 2020 and prohibits the use of latex gloves or utensils in all food service operations and retail food facilities. In 2021, Suffolk County in New York implemented a local law that prohibits the use of products containing latex in food establishments and requires public notification of latex use in other businesses. Various other states and localities have similar bans. Some states, such as Illinois, have banned latex gloves in food service settings and in healthcare. A number of hospitals and medical centers have also stopped using latex gloves and other latex products.

“The amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The agency does state that increasing exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. In sensitized people, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma.”

To protect workers and building occupants from these types of exposure risks, the industrial hygiene and indoor air quality experts at Zimmetry Environmental are here to help. They offer testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify exposure risks and mitigate contact with common allergens, respiratory irritants, and asthma triggers. Zimmetry has even sponsored an educational video about latex allergy that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/X6BTxz7Kv68

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, compliance, and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail