CHEMICAL ACCELERATORS INDUCE THE MAJORITY OF CHEMICAL ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions to chemical residues from the glove manufacturing process may produce what is known as a Type IV chemical allergy or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This type of allergy is not life threatening, but it is a major concern for healthcare workers dentists and dental hygienists. Glove manufacturers use accelerators to chemically speed up the vulcanization and cross linking of the material during the manufacturing of natural and synthetic latex gloves.
Chemical accelerators induce the majority of chemical allergies. The residues from these accelerators have become a major concern because of their ability to sensitize users and elicit chemical allergic reactions. 82% of reported glove associated with allergic contact dermatitis is attributable to chemical accelerators.2,3
ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS KEY FACTS
Signs and symptoms
ACD is a delayed allergic reaction.
Skin reactions usually confined to the area of contact.
Acute symptoms include itching, burning, redness, swelling and blistering.
Chronic symptoms include dry, thickened “leathery” skin, crusting, scabbing sores and peeling, etc.
How is it diagnosed
Impaired barrier function of the skin due to ICD makes people more prone to ACD.
Symptoms, Medical history and Skin Patch Test by a Dermatologist.
Solution
Products that are produced without the use of any chemical accelerators (e.g. Ansell’s MICRO-TOUCH® Nitrafree).
References:
1. Higgins C, Palmer A, Cahill J, Nixon R. Occupational skin disease among Australian healthcare workers: a retrospective analysis from an occupational dermatology clinic, 1993-2014. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;75(4):213-22
2. Heese A, Hintzenstern JV, Peters K, Koch HU, Hornstein OP. 1991. Allergic and irritant reactions to rubber gloves in medical health services. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 25:831-839.
3. Gardner N. 2008 Oct. Shield Scientific: health and safety international.
