LATEX ALLERGY ALERT - UPDATE

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We are including this supplemental information on latex Allergy with our catalogue because so many of our customers have found our Latex Allergy Alerts printed in previous catalogues extremely helpful - and in some cases life-saving. More is being learned about this condition every day, and we hope you will find this update informative and useful.

Who is at risk for latex allergy, and what are the symptoms?
Children who have had multiple hospitalizations and surgical procedures are at particularly high risk for developing allergy to latex.  Allergic responses can range from minor skin irritation to reactions requiring emergency treatment to prevent death. Any of the following can indicate latex allergy:
rashes, hives, watery eyes, wheezing, swelling of lips & tongue, asthma, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

What is latex, and where is it found?
Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree Hevea Brasiliensis, and allergic reactions are caused by its proteins. More than 40,000 products used in homes and medical settings contain latex, including common items such as:
rubber bands, balloons, carpet backing, surgical and examination gloves, elastic, toys, sink mats, foam pillows , anesthesia equipment, IV catheters, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, electrode pads, etc.

Many of the proteins which cause latex allergy are also found in foods such as:
kiwi, passion fruit, cherries, bananas, papaya, avocado, figs, peaches, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, celery and chestnuts. 

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of latex allergy is made by a combination of history and tests.  There is a blood test and a skin-prick test.  The blood test detects antibodies to latex, is risk free, and almost as reliable as the skin-prick test.  If the skin-prick test is used, the allergist should be prepared with emergency equipment in case the test itself causes a severe reaction. Latex allergy can develop at any time - even after a test shows no sensitivity. Avoidance is the key to preventing development of latex allergy in high risk individuals, and lessening the degree of reaction in those already allergic.  Awareness of this problem is crucial in the home, the school, and medical and dental environments.

What can be done?
There is no cure for latex allergy. If your child has a latex allergy or is at high of developing one, eliminate as much latex as possible from your home environment. Work with your child's teacher to lessen exposure in the school environment.  Every child with a history of sensitivity should wear a Medic Alert bracelet, and carry an emergency epinephrine syringe, or Epi-Pen at all times.

Every visit to a medical environment is risky.  If your child has a documented latex allergy, inform the doctor or dentist of your child's problem at least 24 hours in advance of your visit if possible. This gives him/her the opportunity to order emergency medication for your child, and to clean the environment of latex residue.  Your child should have the first appointment of the day - or the week if possible - if latex gloves are used with other patients.  If the doctor or dentist does not take this seriously, find another who does.

To treat a person with latex allergy, a hospital must have Latex-Safe protocols in place. If a hospital cannot document that it is Latex-Safe, avoid it except in an emergency.  Carry non-latex gloves at all times for health professionals to use with your child in an emergency.  These can be worn over latex gloves if necessary.
This partial list of products commonly containing latex is not meant to be frightening.  It is meant to raise awareness of the types of products which might cause a reaction.  The only way to know for certain if a product is made with latex is to call the manufacturer.

FOODS:
kiwi, passion fruit, cherries, bananas, papaya, avocado, figs, peaches, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, celery and chestnuts, water chestnuts.

CLOTHING:
rubber soled shoes
athletic shoes
slippers
adhesive used in many shoes
elastic in clothing

Even covered elastic can cause reactions. Be especially vigilant about exposed elastic in underwear, pajamas, and swimsuits, rubberized clothing appliqués bathing caps.

HOME:
rubber grips on kitchen utensils
rubber sink stoppers & sink mats
household gloves
rubber grips on kitchen utensils, toothbrushes
rubber grips on broom handles & mops
vacuum hoses & attachments
rubber bath mats & tub decals
backing on throw rugs
rubber grips on toothbrushes
rubber hair & nail brushes
rubber hairdryer cords and attachments
sanitary napkins & disposable diapers (some contain rubber compounds)
condoms & diaphragms
rubberized bed protector sheets
foam pillows
pens with rubber comfort grips or rubber coating
telephones with rubber mouthpieces, buttons, antenna, cords
rubberized carpet backing
camera, telescope, binocular eye pieces and other parts can contain rubber
newspaper ink can be mixed with latex.

ART & OFFICE SUPPLIES:
adhesives
rubber cement
glue pens
envelope & stamp adhesive
stickers
comfort grips on scissors
art supplies
paints
rubber bands
rubber stamps
electrical cords
cords for computer equipment
mousepads
wrist rests
calculators or remote controls with rubber keys or switches.

TOYS & OUTDOORS
rubber grips
gardening tools
rubber tub toys
toys with rubber wheels
koosh balls
balloons
rubber balls, etc
dolls may contain rubber
pool toys
car seals
door seals
gaskets
tires
bike handlebar grips and tires
weather-stripping
balloons (parties, showers, school events, fairs, parades, etc.)

MEDICAL SETTINGS:
surgical and examination gloves
anesthesia equipment
IV & urinary catheters elastic bandages
adhesive tape
electrode pads

MISC:
grocery store check-out belts
food preparation with latex gloves in restaurants - call ahead to find out
ATM machines sometimes have rubber buttons.