Abstract

Introduction: The use of natural rubber latex (NRL) products can cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions in exposed people. The aim of this study was to quantify the content of protein and latex allergens of currently available NRL products to estimate the allergenic potential of these products. Methods: 14 household articles (pacifiers, baby bottle nipples, condoms, household and disposable gloves, toy balloon and plaster) as well as 18 NRL examination gloves currently used by health care workers were investigated. Extracts of the examination gloves were prepared according to the standard method DIN EN 455-3, which contains requirements and testing for biological evaluation of single use medical gloves. The protein content was determined with a modified Lowry method. Latex allergen content was measured using an IgE-inhibition immunoassay with a serum pool of sensitized patients as detection antibodies and the latex ImmunoCAP as solid phase. The allergens Hev b 1, 3, 5 and 6.02 were determined using available immunoassays. Results: In 5 out of 18 examination gloves the protein content was under the detection limit. The other 13 gloves contained protein between 7.1 and 92.3 μg protein/g material. 5 glove brands contained protein concentrations above the recommended reference value of 30 μg protein/g material. Latex allergen could be measured in 12 out of 18 NRL gloves. In only 3 gloves none of the allergens Hev b 1, 3, 5 and 6.02 could be detected. Protein and Hev b 1 could be measured in the examined childcare products, while the concentrations of the latex allergens Hev b 3, 5 and 6.02 were mostly under the detection limit. Boiling of childcare products led to a reduction of protein and allergen content. In some of the other daily-used NRL articles the protein and allergen contents were even higher than in gloves. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that protein and particularly latex allergens were detectable in currently available examination gloves as well as in household articles whereby a risk for sensitization and/or induction of allergic symptoms could not be excluded.

Author Details

Authors

• Y. von der Gathen
• I. Sander
• A. Flagge
• T. Brüning
• M. Raulf-Heimsoth

Departments

• Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)

Address

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Monika Raulf-Heimsoth
Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der
Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung
Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1
D–44789 Bochum
Email: [email protected]

Citation