Traffic Officers Get Plastic Gloves (Press, 6 December 1984)
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Summary: Traffic Officers Get Plastic Gloves (Press, 6 December 1984)
On 6 December 1984, New Zealand's Ministry of Transport announced that disposable plastic gloves would be made available to traffic officers who expressed concerns about the possibility of contracting A.I.D.S. (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) from motorists during breath tests. This decision was prompted by a recent ban on breath-testing imposed by traffic officers in New South Wales, who feared exposure to the disease through saliva left on breath-testing equipment by suspected drunken drivers. Dr Peter Dodwell, the Ministry's senior medical officer, clarified that the disposable gloves would serve as a precaution for officers concerned about the disease. However, he noted that the hygienic practices recommended to combat A.I.D.S. were consistent with those commonly advised for overall hygiene. Dr Dodwell pointed out that most of the approximately 6,500 A.I.D.S. cases recorded worldwide had originated from blood transfusions or homosexual contacts, with very few cases involving heterosexual individuals without blood transfusion history. He stated, "Current medical opinion is that saliva and sweat are not likely to transmit the A.I.D.S. agent as are blood and other body fluids." Furthermore, Dr Dodwell emphasized that breath-testing equipment used in New Zealand differed from that used in New South Wales, as New Zealand officers did not have to make contact with any part that had been in the motorist's mouth. However, he acknowledged that unique circumstances might lead officers to choose to wear gloves when interacting with individuals who were injured, violent, or heavily intoxicated. The Ministry would also consider reviewing procedures related to blood sampling, particularly in light of the concerns raised. As part of this initiative, the Ministry was preparing an information sheet for traffic officers to better inform them about A.I.D.S. and hygienic practices relevant to their duties. This response illustrates a proactive approach by the New Zealand authorities to address health concerns amid the evolving public knowledge regarding A.I.D.S. and its transmission routes.
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