Latex Allergy 101
Ever since the early ‘70s, we have been on the universal precautions bandwagon.
First, we introduced latex gloves in the healthcare setting in doctors’ offices and in hospitals.
Next, individuals who prepare and serve food in restaurants, cafeterias, etc. also started using latex rubber gloves. So what are the chances you can develop an allergic reaction to latex rubber?
The majority of those affected develop only localized symptoms such as skin irritation and burning, itchiness, redness and/or swelling of the hands or those areas exposed to the latex. Next, are those unlucky allergic people who may have reactions that are more serious and progressive. Higher-risk areas include the dentist’s office, operating room or emergency department and gynecologists’ offices ― just to name a few. So get a medical identification card and/or bracelet to inform of your latex allergy!
So where else do we see allergic reactions to latex rubber?
What am I seeing in my office? Just the other day, a restaurant owner who supervises food preparation (personally) was exposed to foods and products served by staff who wear latex rubber gloves. When tested, we learned she had become allergic to latex rubber and had two potentially life-threatening reactions as a result of exposure in her own restaurant.
If you are allergic to latex, be aware you may also react to the following foods: Bananas, avocados, chestnuts, apples, carrots, celery, papayas, kiwi, melons, potatoes and tomatoes.
Finally, defense being your best option, click here for a consumer-friendly list of products that may contain latex rubber.
Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, apples, avocados, bananas, carrots, celery, chestnuts, Dr. Clifford Bassett, hospitals, kiwi, latex, melons, papayas, potatoes, restaurants, rubber gloves, tomatoes
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This allergy is life threatening. I have latex allergy, because of it I cannot eat in public restaurants. Any food handled with latex gloves puts my life at risk. Odors from cross reactive foods are as serious as an exposure to latex itself. Cold seal glues used in food packaging also contains latex.
I also cannot shop for my groceries in a store where latex balloons are sold or displayed or latex gloves are used. The proteins become airborne and expose me to latex every time I breathe, or when the proteins settle on my skin, or clothing inside a store.
The FDA doesn’t recognize latex proteins as a contaminant. So each time I take a prescription pill made in a lab that uses latex gloves I am putting my life at risk. When I have an anaphylactix reaction and need medications, like histamine blockers, steroids, etc. my life is at risk. I am being exposed to another source of latex contamination in the very medication meant to relieve the symptoms of a life threatening allergic reaction. Thank heaven the EpiPen’s I use have no latex in them.
Eye Drops containing Papain were recently banned by the FDA due to the latex cross reaction. Why won’t FDA recognize latex itself as a contaminent?
There are currently 6 states that have created laws banning the use of latex gloves in food services. Why doesn’t the FDA step up and create more stringent safety laws around latex for medications and food safety
Correction to my original comments. I would like to correct the number of states I commented on that actually have a law that bans the use of latex gloves used in food services. It is not 6, it is 3 states; Oregon, Arizona, and & Rhode Island. Other states have tried legislation, but to my knowledge none has been implemented at this time. Some individual counties within states have also made attempts to ban latex gloves from food services.
Thanx for ur info. Its really interesting, the title itself has something to say “Latex Allergy 101″. As a chemist, I wonder what else….?