Occupational Allergy to Latex among Loom Tuners in a Textile Factory

Abstract

Background: Occupational allergy to latex is generally reported from occupational groups such as health care workers; however, few reports derive from other occupational settings. Methods: Two male subjects working as loom tuners in a textile manufacturing plant developed severe allergic reactions during the cutting and weaving of elastic bands, initially not suspected to contain latex constituents. Clinical evaluation and lung function tests were supplemented by skin prick testing, specific IgE evaluation and basophil activation assays with extracted elastic bands. Results: Both workers presented with rhinitis, episodes of tight chest and itchy eyes. Initial spirometry was normal with no significant reversibility; however, a histamine challenge test was positive in one worker. Skin prick testing to a battery of common inhalant allergens was negative; however, raised IgE levels were detected to latex using ImmunoCAP. On further testing, the specific IgE response was directed mainly to the major latex allergens rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 6.02 and nHev b 13. Basophils of the two workers, but not the unaffected control subjects, were strongly activated by extracts of the elastic and the cutting dust material. Conclusions: Workers are at high risk of becoming sensitised to latex allergens when exposed to excessive dust produced by loom tuning machines. Latex sensitisation should therefore be considered in workers developing unexplained work-related allergic reactions (including asthma) associated with unlabelled materials in the textile industry.

Monitoring of occupational and environmental aeroallergens – EAACI Position Paper

“…In some occupational settings, however, the allergen and its concentration may not be known when a new work process or product is introduced into the environment. This will require demonstration of allergens in the source material prior to airborne allergen measurements (58). If the suspected offending agent is a 'new' type of allergen, it may be necessary to first develop a specific assay, for example, using the patient's allergen-specific IgE (Fig.…”

“…Workplace exposure surveillance can reveal when exposure controls are not functioning properly and quantify allergen levels associated with new onset or recurrence of allergic symptoms in exposed individuals (58). Similarly, domestic exposure monitoring can identify inadequate control or new allergen sources in symptomatic individuals on treatment (34,63).…”

Bespoke latex allergen testing improves assessment of respiratory symptoms in textile‐braiding workers

“…Health effects attributed to cross-reactivity with other allergens are also described [Wagner and Breiteneder, 2002;Blanco, 2003]. Although data from non-healthcare sectors are limited, textile-braiding workers have previously been the subjects of reports of latex allergy [Pisati et al, 1998;Lopata et al, 2007]. Although data from non-healthcare sectors are limited, textile-braiding workers have previously been the subjects of reports of latex allergy [Pisati et al, 1998;Lopata et al, 2007].…”

“…Much of the evidence base relating to latex allergy has been generated from the healthcare sector [Liss et al, 1997;Liss and Sussman, 1999;Garabrant and Schweitzer, 2002;Filon and Radman, 2006;Das, 2008], although non-healthcare sector occupational groups are also at risk, including those working as hairdressers, food handlers, latex glove manufacturers, and cleaners [Zuskin et al, 1998;Valks et al, 2004]. Although data from non-healthcare sectors are limited, textile-braiding workers have previously been the subjects of reports of latex allergy [Pisati et al, 1998;Lopata et al, 2007].…”

Latex Allergens in the Ear Straps of Face Coverings and Masks in the UK: Initial Findings

“…Subsequently, there was a move to non-latex or non-powdered latex gloves with low or non-detectable allergen content. However, workplace respiratory and dermal health issues from manufacturing processes involving NRL in the textile industry have also been reported [12][13][14].…”