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Implications for patients and health care workers Natural rubber products have been used widely for many years. Allergic reactions to rubber, and especially immedi-ate allergic reactions, have only been recognised in the last decade, with the first report appearing in 1979. The reasons for this apparent increase and emergence of large numbers of latex-sensitive persons are unknown, but there are two possible explanations. During the 1980s the use of latex medical products increased tremendously in response to AIDS and a more general rec-ognition of possible sources of transfer of infectious agents through contact with body fluids. As a result, the use of items like latex gloves increased amongst all health care professionals at points of possible exposure to patients o