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Dozens of people have died due to latex allergies and thousands more suffer each year. It is estimated that almost 1 million people are "latex sensitive". Such sensitivity can cause reactions ranging from mild skin and eye irritations to potentially fatal respiratory problems. Unfortunately, latex products surround all of us, with healthcare professionals being the most frequently exposed group. In addition to the latex that we are exposed to in medical settings, latex can be found in more than 40,000 common consumer items, such as raincoats, Band-Aids, basketballs, gloves, toys, carpeting, balloons and rubber bands, to name a few.

Latex became popular about 50 years ago, but latex allergies were not recognized until the early 1990’s. In the late 1980’s, it became important for health care workers to use latex gloves to prevent the spread of AIDS. A wide variety of products in the healthcare industry contain latex, including blood pressure cups, stethoscopes, intravenous tubing, syringes, surgical masks, electrode pads, catheters, gloves, masks, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, pads and tourniquets. These products are among the hundreds of latex products regularly used by those working in the medical profession.

Recent research indicates that latex allergies, which were once considered rare, may now affect up to 20% of medical workers. The most common cause of latex allergies in the healthcare field,are due to latex gloves. When powdered latex gloves are worn and changed, latex protein particles escape into the air and ventilation systems where they can be inhaled.

A growing list of doctors and dental offices and other medical facilities are switching to powder-free and latex-safe gloves. Latex-safe gloves do contain latex, but the amount is so minimal that those with allergies are generally not affected. More and more medical offices and hospitals are making the switch to latex-safe gloves as the number of allergic reactions, workers compensation cases and lawsuits are increasing. Preventive measures are critical because there are currently no treatments available. The only “treatment” is to completely avoid latex.

Latex allergy symptoms may include:

• Skin redness, Hives , Itching
• Respiratory symptoms
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Difficulty breathing, Coughing spells, Wheezing, Asthma
• Anaphylactic shock , although rare

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your physician or go to the hospital (depending on the severity). The irony is that in the place where you go to for help, is filled with latex. That's why it's important to alert health care workers of your allergy before you are treated. If you inform the health care provider they may be able to use a latex-free kit. Most hospitals still use latex gloves, even though latex free options are available, because such options are often 20% more expensive.

Recent lawsuits are accusing the latex industry of manufacturing defective products. It appears that latex manufacturers are failing to properly wash latex products before they leave the assembly line. If these products are properly cleansed, they would contain less of the dangerous substance and therefore pose less of a risk to those who are allergic to latex.

In 1998, both a California and a Wisconsin court found manufacturers liable for damages when health care workers suffered reactions to latex gloves. The verdict in California was for $1.3 million (currently on appeal) and in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals a $1 million verdict against a glove manufacturer, was upheld.

Worker’s compensation settlements regarding latex allergy lawsuits are also becoming more common throughout the country, with about 70% of decisions determined as compensable. This is an early indication that more and more lawsuits will result in settlements in favor of the plaintiffs.

Employers may be required, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, to accommodate “disabled” workers with latex allergies by taking steps to lessen their exposure. Employers may be required to provide latex-safe zones or re-assigning these workers if that can not be accomplished. The employer need not provide certain accommodations if to do so would create an undue burden on the employer.

Appropriate measures that can be taken by any employer to protect their employees, especially healthcare providers, by doing the following:

• Create a latex safe zone
• Update ventilation systems to insure proper air flow system
• If latex gloves are necessary, use reduced protein, powder-free gloves.

If you have experienced an allergic reaction to latex, and suffered damages as a result, you should contact an attorney immediately so that your legal rights can be protected.

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