Healthcare workers - common causes of asthma

Latex

Natural rubber latex (NRL) contains proteins that can cause asthma and dermatitis.

Powdered latex gloves make the proteins easy to breathe in when the gloves are put on and taken off. These gloves are a common cause of occupational asthma.

The Latex website provides further details on NRL allergies and control measures.

Top tips

Avoid NRL gloves. If you must use them, select 'low protein powder-free' gloves.
If you know that someone working with you is sensitised to NRL protein, never use NRL gloves.
Wash your hands (tepid water) after wearing protective gloves.
You need regular health surveillance.

Reduce disease - reduce exposure to natural rubber latex

Avoid prolonged or unnecessary use of protective gloves. Use the correct glove size. Throw away single use gloves after one use.

Seek medical advice if you or someone around you uses NRL and you experience the following symptoms - wheezing, swelling of the tongue or throat, feeling unwell, faint or dizzy.

Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is a biocide and chemical disinfectant. It can cause occupational asthma.

It is used mainly in healthcare, offshore, papermaking, agriculture and as a tissue preservative.

Top tips

Justify the use of glutaraldehyde - state why substitutes are unsuitable.
If you cannot prevent exposure to vapour by containment, use a respirator.
You need regular health surveillance.

Reduce disease - reduce exposure to glutaraldehyde mist and vapour

Avoid glutaraldehyde substitutes that may cause asthma. If spraying, or dosing open systems with glutaraldehyde, you need to use a respirator until you are well away from the treated zone. If spraying, nobody should re-enter the treated zone without a respirator until the surfaces are dry and the zone has been aired.