Update on latex allergy among health care personnel.

Occupational exposure to natural rubber latex has sensitized 10% to 17% of health care personnel in Europe and the United States. The increased incidence of latex allergy is believed to be a direct result of the implementation of standard precautions. The purpose of this literature review is to examine latex allergy studies and discuss the emerging problem of latex allergy in health care personnel. Latex composition, prevalence, clinical manifestations, and populations at risk also are discussed.