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Occupational Medicine 1997;47:155-158
© 1997 Society of Occupational Medicine

research-article

A survey of starch particle counts in the hospital environment in relation to the use of powdered latex gloves

S. W. B. Newsom and M. Shaw

Papworth Hospital Cambridge CB3 8RE, UK

As latex proteins, which cause latex hypersensitivity, can be found on starch particles and inhalation may be a route for sensitization, the presence of starch particles in hospital air was examined. The starch particles were demonstrated by immobilization onto cellulose acetate filters and staining with iodine. Rooms in which powdered latex gloves were used gave counts of up to >3667 particles per cubic meter of air. Starch particles were not found in the air in rooms where latex gloves were not used, and were highest in rooms with a high glove usage but no ventilation. A change to powder-free gloves significantly reduced the count of starch particles in the unventilated Accident/Emergency Department air. Use of powder-free gloves should be considered especially in unventilated areas in healthcare premises.

Keywords      Glove powder; hospital air; latex allergy

Received       18 October 1995
Accepted       19 December 1996

Correspondence and reprint requests to: S. W. B. Newsom, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge CB3 8RE, UK


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