Even the simple task of blowing up a balloon will cause severe allergy attacks. The Federal government has become involved with several studies on this issue and are in the process of passing Federal regulation to assist medical institutions deal with this surmounting problem. In September 1997, the FDA required all manufacturers to lable all products that contain latex. They were given one year to comply with this new regulation which will place the liability of improperly labeled products on the manufacturer where it belongs. Also, this regulation is allowing Vanderbilt to take responsibility in ensuring the appropriate use of products.
Latex allergies can be as life threatening as any other medical condition.
A common misconception is that the use of latex products are only dangerous to patients with latex allergies, but actually our healthcare givers are also at risk. The more an individual is exposed to latex, the more sensitive they become. One of the theories supporting the fact that latex sensitivity is more prevalent than ten years ago is that the use of latex gloves have become a daily practice. With HIV and other serious communicable diseases, workers are required to protect themselves by wearing latex gloves. Many of the latex exam gloves contain a powder which allows for ease of donning and removal.