Occupational asthma caused by latex in a surgical glove manufacturing plant

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1990 Mar;85(3):626-31. doi: 10.1016/0091-6749(90)90103-b.

Abstract

A 33-year-old latex glove inspector was diagnosed as having occupational asthma on the basis of peak flow and methacholine-responsiveness changes related to workplace exposure. She had latex sensitivity by skin prick testing. This finding led to a survey of her workplace. Of the 81 workers, 84% completed a questionnaire to assess work-related respiratory symptoms, 79% underwent skin prick testing to latex and six other workplace chemicals, and 62% performed workshift spirometry. Seven workers had spirometric changes consistent with asthma, of whom five had greater than or equal to 15% fall in FEV1 during the workshift. Six of these workers underwent methacholine-challenge testing, and three were found to have a significant improvement in responsiveness to methacholine away from work, suggestive of occupational asthma. Two of these workers had positive skin test responses to latex. Including the index case, 6% of workers who had pulmonary function testing had findings of latex-related occupational asthma. Skin test responses to latex occurred in 11% of workers tested. Our findings suggest that latex should be considered among the causes of occupational asthma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / analysis
  • Asthma / chemically induced*
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Dust / analysis
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / drug effects
  • Gloves, Surgical*
  • Humans
  • Latex / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Ontario
  • Skin Tests
  • Spirometry
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Dust
  • Latex