Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans to publish updated guidance to NHS employers on the use of powdered latex gloves. - Inc ref to HSE website.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish updated guidance to NHS employers on the use of powdered latex gloves. [184104] Mr. Hutton: Allergic reactions following exposure to natural rubber latex have risen significantly over the past 10 years, particularly within healthcare occupations and this prompted action by the Department and the NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency to remove powdered latex gloves, (the biggest cause of latex sensitisation), from sale to national health service employers. This action has reduced significantly the incidence of latex allergy, and has been followed up by the Department and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issuing a latex toolkit. The toolkit covers issues concerning latex allergy, including what steps employers and employees should be taking to avoid it in the workplace. It also includes comprehensive advice on single-use glove selection, taking into account the importance of infection control. The toolkit can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/latex

Secondary information