Latex Allergy Claims – Can I claim?
We specialise in Latex Allergy Claims and first of all we have two questions for you:
- Have you suffered a latex allergy in the last 3 years?
- Was it was caused by someone else?
If so then we’d be delighted to help advise and support you in bringing your Latex Allergy Claim.
What are the Causes of Latex Allergies?
There are two main causes of Latex allergies:
- The chemicals that can be found in the manufacture of rubber latex;
- The high protein (allergen) that is often contained within latex products.
Over the years there has been a huge increased demand for latex in the healthcare sector as a result of efforts to protect workers from being contaminated by pathogens.
Latex has for many years represented a real health risk in the work place.
Any worker who has been exposed to latex could develop an allergy.
Workers who are especially at risk include those in medical profession such as Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Health Technicians as well as Cleaners, hairdressers and motor mechanics to name just a few.
The increase in demand for latex has also coincided with a general increase in the populations susceptibility to allergic disease.
It is an unfortunate fact that if you suffer from a latex allergy then you may well also suffer with food allergies too.
What are the Symptoms of Latex Allergy?
In many cases Latex Allergies develop after a number of previous exposures to latex.
There can be a wide range of symptoms including:
Itchiness, redness and swelling of the skin that comes into contact with the latex;
Congested nose;
Asthmatic symptoms;
Wheezing with associated tightness of the chest;
Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
Anaphylaxis which is a serious allergic reaction involving breathing problems and triggered by inhaling latex proteins;
Eczema and blistering which is known as “Allergic Contact Dermatitis” resulting from the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
How long do latex allergy symptoms last?
Much will depend upon the type of exposure and whether the reaction is a severe or mild one.
If the reaction is severe and spreads to different areas of the body then symptoms continue for longer.
If the symptoms do not involve an immediate reaction the they can manifest themselves as late as 4 days after coming into contact with latex.
How much is my Latex Allergy Claim Worth?
The value of your claim will be determined by a whole series of factors.
The nature, extent and longevity of the allergic reaction will be crucial in determining the value.
- “Type 1 Latex Allergy” is where there is an immediate and severe allergic reaction which can be life threatening. The symptoms can include both anaphylaxis as well as skin reactions. If you suffer with this type of reaction then your claim will be worth towards the upper end of awards.
- “Type IV Latex Allergy” is a less serious type of reaction which is not life threatening. The onset of symptoms is not instant and usually appear over a 24 to 48 hour period. caused by the various chemicals used within the manufacturing process. Contact with the chemicals contained within the latex can result in contact dermatitis which can move to other parts of the body.
Contact us and we will be delighted to discuss your claim and let you know how much it’s likely to be worth.
We’ll also be able to answer any general queries you may have.
Diagnosing and Treating Latex Allergies?
Skin allergy tests can diagnosed latex allergies.
This involves your doctor placing a minuscule amount of latex below the surface of the skin using a small needle.
The procedure is pretty much painless.
If you have an allergy to latex then there will be a reaction in the form of a small bump.
What foods are related to Latex Allergy?
It has been reported that about 30-80% of all latex allergy sufferers may be susceptible to an allergic response to particular foods.
Food has been grouped classified into three different categories of risk associated with latex allergy.
Some medics recommend patients with latex allergy not to eat foods which are considered to have a high level of allergy risk:
High level of association with allergic reaction:
Avocado
Banana
Chestnuts
Kiwi
- If you have a latex allergy then you should liaise with your GP to make sure you are not also at risk of an allergic reaction to these particular foods.
- They say that prevention is always better than cure in these situations.
The Workplace and Latex Allergy Exposure
If you are employed in an environment that involves regular contact with latex products then there is a risk of you being susceptible to latex allergy.
The most notable workers at risk include those in medical profession but others also include cleaners, hairdressers and motor mechanics.
Latex rubber gloves are the most common source of allergies. The gloves contain powdered material and this can be responsible for causing a reaction which can even be airborne.
Latex allergy and the Law: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations employers are under a duty to carry out risk assessments.
These assessments need to address the question of exposure to hazardous substances which includes latex.
- The duty extends to devising plans to control latex exposure.
- Employers for example need to consider the supply of non-latex gloves or a low protein or no powder glove.
- The employer must also ensure there is an appropriate training programme in place to guard against latex exposure.
- Employees have a right to a safe place of work and if the employer fails in any of its duties then liability could follow.
- If you have suffered a reaction to latex in the workplace which might be hindering your ability to carry out your work then seek legal advice.
No Win No Fee Latex Allergy Compensation Claims
If you believe that you have grounds for a latex allergy claim then we can help to put things right.
If you contact us we would be delighted advise you about the merits of your claim.
After discussing matters we’ll be pleased to let you know whether we consider your claim has merits.
We will offer you a genuine No Win No Fee Agreement if we believe your allergy claim has prospects of success.

Carter & Carter Solicitors
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