AVOIDING LATEX ALLERGIES AT HOME AND WORK

Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. Strong and stretchy, it is used in a number of household products and toys, in addition to well-known latex products like gloves and balloons. While this allergy is somewhat uncommon, affecting one to six percent of the population, in the medical field latex allergy is much higher: Seventeen percent of healthcare workers and a whopping 38 percent of dental care workers have a latex allergy. About 17 percent of restaurant workers also develop this allergy. Many of the items we use at home daily have hidden latex that could affect someone sensitive to this allergen: bandages, shoes, toys, carpet backing, clothing, tool handles, diapers, and feminine products all have hidden latex.

P.S.  If you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, food prepared by someone wearing latex gloves can cause an immune response and allergic reaction.

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