Living With Latex

Where to be alert for latex

Make your home base safe
MedicAlert® bracelet: Can read “Avoid latex” if you are in the high risk group
EpiPen(s) easily available (not tucked away in the bathroom cabinet)
Documentation regarding latex allergy
explanation of latex allergy
letter from physician
authorization to use own supply of latex free equipment at home in an emergency
article (i.e. NIOSH alert)
Alert ambulance companies and 911 to have name, address and phone flagged as a severe latex allergy
Emergency meds/supplies in location known to family members in both home and automobile
First aid supplies
Daily medications
Signs on home and car windows
Emergency medical numbers (including physician/allergist) listed
Home considerations
Hard wood floors vs carpeting
Weather stripping (most is synthetic) (car, windows, doors, garage door)
Air filtration system (discuss w/ allergist— may suffice to have regular changing of filters)
Consider becoming smoke free/ fragrance free/ perfume free
Bathroom
Replace rubberized “non skid” mats w/ cotton throws
Avoid rubber gripped tooth brushes
Be aware that some tub toys, cosmetics, sanitary napkins and diapers may contain rubber
Appliance (hair dryer) cords may be rubberized, though many plugs are plastic
Packaging of OTC medical supplies
Kitchen
Appliances— cook top, dishwasher, refrigerator
Sink nozzle, sink stoppers and sink mats may contain rubber
Replace all rubber gripped utensils w/ metal, wood or plastic
Caution in using hermetically sealed jars
Packaging of pantry products
Bedroom
Some mattresses contain latex. Also be aware of the dust mite/mold factor for those with asthma
Synthetic pillows rather than foam or feather
Avoid handling waterproof bed pads
General
Rugs— horsehair pads rather than foam rubber ones (unless synthetic foam rubber)
New carpeting or freshly cleaned carpets can be problematic
Clickers and phones, plastic vs rubber buttons
electrical cords and weatherstripping
Check mop and broom handles, binoculars, telescope eye pieces, video camera view piece
Replace vacuum filters regularly
Garage/Yard
Garage control box— plastic buttons
Decide where to store all rubber galoshes, Wellies, rain slickers, etc.
Check garden tools and gloves— “comfort grip” may be rubberized
Office
Consider elimination of rubber bands or substitutions of latex free rubber bands, string etc.
Mouse pad, keyboards, and calculators
Many pens have grips that need to be avoided
Erasers and stamp pads
Glue in envelopes and stickers may contain latex
Kids’ Rooms
Use this as an opportunity to clear out toy box
Sports equipment, balls, many toys
Art supplies, glue
Clothing
Clothing appliques can contain rubber
Wash new garments, bathing suits, prior to wear
Shoes (insoles, outer soles, glue)
Clothes hangers
Community
Care w/ newspapers
Have all medical records of family members labeled for latex precautions
Medical office precautions
Restaurants— glove use by food handlers
Cross-sensitivity learn to live w/o chestnuts, kiwi fruit, bananas, tomatoes or avocados
Care when touching door handles/toilet seats etc that might have latex residue from contact with latex gloves
Cars
Check for balloons on car lot
Check for exposed latex in interior
Ability to close air vent rapidly
Be aware that mechanics often wear latex gloves when servicing cars
Latex allergy decal on car (recommended in 2 places— driver and passenger side)
Consider carrying gloves etc. in car at all times
Recreation
Pools: indoor ones may trigger asthmatic responses from chemicals; most above ground pool liners are vinyl
Latex free bathing caps and goggles are available
Prudent shopping for all recreation purchases: bicycles, kayaks, wet suits, tennis racket grips, balls, running shoes
Gym equipment (i.e., treadmills, handles on other machines) and mats frequently contain latex
Many public events can present opportunities for exposure or for asthma triggers
Sports equipment may contain latex or other irritating chemicals
Stores
Watch out for point of purchase displays w/ balloons
Check-out belts may contain latex
Accumulation of adhesives, chemicals and other indoor pollutants may trigger asthma
ATM machines (buttons)


Check list originated at the Medical University of South Carolina Pediatric Ambulatory Care.
Revised: May 2001. Reproduced here with permission.





Table of Contents

Latex Allergy Links — Main Menu

Latex Allergy Links Message Board

Toys & Baby Products — Manufacturers’ Phone Numbers

Latex Gloves in Food Operations PDF
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Sep 07 2001

Ever more complex;
Lawsuits and increasing regulation mount as argument over NR latex policies rages

Miles Moore Rubber & Plastics News Jul 30 2001

Living With Latex: Where to be alert for latex
Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital

Handle with care
Ben Van Houten Restaurant Business Aug 01 2000

Allergenic Cross-Reactivity of Latex and Foods
Greer Labs Technical Bulletin #10 Jan 05 2000

Latex Allergy: Another Real Y2K Issue
Lisa M. Jennings, RN CRRN Rehabilitation Nursing Jul/Aug 1999

Potential for Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products
OSHA Technical Information Bulletin Apr 12 1999

Looking Out for Latex
Sandra A. Holmes Science and Children Feb 1999

The Vow of Silence
Marianne McAndrew Journal of Nursing Administration Feb 1999

The legal implications of latex allergy
Peter Kohn RN Jan 1999

Latex Allergy: Everyone’s Concern
Lawrence D. Duffield, DDS Journal of the Michigan Dental Association Jun 1998

Allergen Content of Latex Gloves.
A Market Surveillance Study of Medical Gloves Used in Finland in 1997

Palosuo, Turjanmaa, & Reinikka-Railo

User Facility Reporting Bulletin
selected articles FDA Fall 1997

Latex Allergy Alert
Christine Ozment Exceptional Parent Oct 1997

Latex gloves hand health workers a growing worry
Margaret Veach American Medical News Oct 13 1997

Living with Latex
Lisa Legge Nursing Minnesota Aug 1997

Research Review:
Association between latex sensitization and repeated latex exposure in children

Victoria M. Steelman RN, PhD(c), CNOR AORN Journal Jul 1997

Latex allergy: How safe are your gloves?
Kenneth K. Meyer, MD, FACS and Donald H. Beezhold, PhD
American College of Surgeons Bulletin Jul 1997

User Facility Reporting Bulletin
FDA Spring 1997

Latex allergy among staff poses major headache for hospitals
Meredith Goad Press Herald Portland, ME May 06 1997

Oregon picks up latex glove controversy
Patrick O’Neill The Oregonian Portland, OR Apr 21 1997

Facilities react to growing number of allergies to latex
Linda L. Mullen South Bend Tribune South Bend, IN Apr 13 1997

Growing number of HCW’s developing dangerous reactions to latex
Liz Kowalczyk The Patriot Ledger Quincy, MA Apr 01 1997

Shriners Hospital Stops Using Latex
Pat Cahill Springfield Union Springfield, MA Mar 07 1997

Latex Allergy and Contraception
The Contraception Report Patient Update Mar 1997

Is Latex Paint Hazardous To Latex Allergy Sufferers?
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Oct 1996

Cotton, Nylon, Lycra Spandex and Allergies
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Sep 1996

Paving, Asphalt, Tires & Latex Allergies
Don Groce Latex Allergy News Aug 1996

Special Bulletin: Latex Allergy
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Q & A: Latex Allergies
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Preguntas y Respuestas: Alergias al Látex
Asociación Americana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología

Latex Allergy Survival Kit
Nancy Mitchell 1996

Downloadable/Printable Latex Allergy Signs
For personal, non-commercial use only

Archives
Pre-1996 FDA documents
Miscellaneous legislative and other documents





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