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| Latex balloons and latex gloves are dangerous. |
Healthy living can be compromised by exposure to numerous chemical products in our everyday environment that are used in common household products like cleaners and personal care items. Many of these chemicals could easily be changed to something safer.
Latex gloves and latex balloons are good examples.At least 3 million people in the United States are allergic to natural rubber latex which is used in balloons, gloves, and thousands of everyday products. A reaction can occur from touching something made of latex or simply from breathing in the particles that flake off balloons and gloves into the air when they are used. Allergic reactions include a wide pattern ranging from skin irritation to anaphylaxis which is life threatening and can occur within seconds of exposure to latex. Anaphylaxis causes severe shock, precipitous blood pressure drops, and swelling in the airway which blocks breathing.It can lead to death if not treated immediately.
The more you are exposed to latex the higher the risk for developing an allergy. And the type of allergic reaction often progresses from skin irritation to anaphylaxis over time.In addition, there are groups of common fruits and vegetables related to latex and people who have a latex allergy may eventually develop an allergy to these foods.
Health care workers, cleaning staffs, and food services people who are required to use latex gloves on a daily basis are at an extremely high risk for developing a latex allergy. And so are the people who work around them. For instance, it is estimated that at least 20% of health care workers who use latex gloves will eventually develop the allergy. In the past, it was difficult to find good alternatives to latex gloves but today there are many cost effective substitutes.Health care workers can use nitrile gloves. Food services staffs at restaurants can use plain plastic gloves.Cleaning staffs can use nitrile or vinyl gloves.
Anything that causes an allergic reaction in anyone compromises the health of everyone else.The fact that an allergic reaction is possible indicates that exposure may be compromising our health and well-being long before the allergic reaction pattern develops.
You can help.Don't use latex gloves in your business. Encourage the health care industry, food services, and cleaning staffs to switch to safer gloves. Don't use latex balloons. Choose colorful mylar balloons instead.The latex industry has powerful lobbyists in Washington working every day to keep this toxic product in our environment so they can make money.Together we can be just as powerful as any lobbyist. We can be advocates for creating a safe environment for ourselves and our families.
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