Latex allergy has grown from a rarely recognized condition in the late 1970s into a significant occupational health concern affecting healthcare workers across all clinical settings. It is estimated that 8 to 12 percent of healthcare workers are latex sensitive — with reactions ranging from mild irritant contact dermatitis to severe, potentially life-threatening anaphylactic responses. As latex remains present in a wide range of medical products and equipment, healthcare workers must be equipped to recognize latex-containing products, understand their personal risk, and take appropriate precautions to prevent or manage allergic reactions in themselves and their patients.
 
 This course provides a thorough overview of latex, including the important distinction between natural rubber latex and synthetic rubber, and explains why the prevalence of latex allergy has increased significantly over the past several decades. Learners will identify common latex-containing products found in healthcare environments, explore the three types of latex reactions and their associated symptoms, and learn how latex allergy is diagnosed. The course concludes with practical prevention strategies and workplace controls that employees can apply to reduce their risk of exposure and allergic response.
 
 Upon completion, healthcare workers will have the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their patients from latex-related health risks in the clinical environment