Latex allergies: a new infection control issue.

: The incidence of latex allergies has been increasing steadily in health care workers over the past few years. It is now thought to be somewhere between 6 and 14%. It has been suggested that this is directly attributable to the increased use of latex gloves by health care workers. Infection control practitioners (ICPs) have responsibilities not only to the patient population but also to the staff. Compliance with universal precautions cannot be expected if the allergy issue isn't dealt with. Education and screening are the first tools of prevention. In cases where it is too late for prevention, guidelines must be provided for allergic patients and staff, and nonlatex equipment must be made accessible as necessary. In order to do this, ICPs must be knowledgeable about products containing latex and the available alternatives. The issue of airborne particles and allergic staff remains somewhat controversial but the idea of maintaining a latex-free environment in extreme circumstances must at least be considered. This is an infection control issue and ICPs can make a difference.