Latex Allergy

Is this a new allergy? Why are we hearing so much about it now?

Latex allergy is not new. Minor incidents involving latex such as skin rashes have been reported as far back as the early 1920’s.

The introduction of universal precautions in health care settings including the widespread use of latex gloves to prevent the spread of AIDS and hepatitis B is believed to be the primary cause of the increased prevalence of latex allergy. Also, there is greater awareness and reporting of latex allergy than in the past.