Action on rubber gloves reduces asthma risk

A dramatic reduction in occupational asthma cases caused by latex has been reported in Germany thanks to straightforward prevention measures.

Researchers found the number of cases of asthma fell when:

* decreased powder natural rubber latex gloves were used;

* regulations mandated healthcare facilities to use only these gloves; and

* physicians and administrators were educated about the issues.

The research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, concluded that prevention of occupational allergies could be achieved by straightforward and practical interventions.

Public services union UNISON officer June Chandler, said: "In Germany they appear to be doing all the things we have called for - underpinning education with mandatory regulation. Just think of the numbers of NHS workers we could keep in work and the money the NHS could save if the same approach was adopted here."

The TUC warned last year that one in 10 NHS workers (100,000 staff) could be suffering from latex-related health problems. Nationally an estimated half a million people are allergic to latex.

TUC health and safety specialist Owen Tudor said: "Latex gloves were once seen as part of the solution to occupational diseases, but now they're part of the problem. For the sake of a few pence for a pack of gloves, workers' health is being put at risk, and patient health is compromised."

* Rubber banned? The case against latex, is available from TUC publications on 020 7467 1294, or from the TUC website www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-3520-f0.cfm