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) |
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