Superior Glove Works Ltd.
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Work Gloves 101 » Latex Allergies 101
Latex Glove Allergies
How Unsupported Gloves are Produced
Porcelain moulds are coated with coagulating salt and then dipped in a vulcanized latex concentrate. After drying, the gloves are washed, coated with lubricating powder and pulled off the mould. The allergenicity of latex gloves is related to both the quantity and type of protein antigens they contain. Allergenicity can be suppressed by washing and steam-sterilizing the gloves during manufacturing. Cornstarch powder is the most common lubricant and is associated with reactions due to the absorption of antigens by the cornstarch particles, producing aerosolized latex antigen. Powder-free gloves are less allergenic.
Symptoms of Latex Allergies
- Red, crusty rash stopping at the wrist where the glove ends
- Red itchy bumps sometimes associated with runny nose,
red eyes and or asthma - Rare and severe latex allergies can even result in shock
How to Avoid Latex Allergies?
- Latex allergies are often aggravated by powdered gloves which can carry latex proteins.
Use a non-powdered glove - Best of all, use non-latex glove protection such as Nitrile, Vinyl or Synergy BU-Care gloves
- Read the warning on the packaging/catalog before ordering