How big a risk is latex?

Latex allergies are a growing concern in the healthcare sector . In a recent market research study 93 percent of surgeons and nurses in Europe have a moderate or high concern with the risk of latex-allergic reaction from latex surgical gloves .

The risk percentage for healthcare professionals becoming sensitised to latex ranges from 8-17 percent . The most important factor that exacerbates a person’s likelihood of being sensitised to latex allergies is the degree of exposure to latex .

Even though the prevalence of latex allergy in the general population is low, less than one percent, there is still a risk that patients may be allergic to latex. Some studies show that up to six percent of the population can be latex sensitised   . The prevalence rate for latex sensitivity is 65 percent in patients with spina bifida .