By Kathy Gosch School Health Coordinator at ESU10, Kearney Schools are being asked to re-think their use of latex gloves. There is an increasing number of persons who are experiencing allergic reactions to latex. This allergy has the potential to be life threatening. Those most susceptible include students with known latex allergy, Spina Bifida, and other myelosplasias as well as those with repeated exposure to latex. Many hospitals have eliminated the use of latex gloves completely.
Latex gloves are the most common cause of latex allergies and severe latex allergy reactions.
Reactions can range in severity from mild skin reactions to anaphylaxis and death. Although there is some disagreement in the literature, medical vinyl gloves appear to offer equivalent or better protection than latex gloves and are comparative in cost. School staff are reminded to always use proper glove-wearing procedures. When possible, remove sharp rings and do not wear incompatible lotions. This will increase the possibility of maintaining the integrity of the gloves.