There are several health care workers right here at our hospital that have severe latex allergies. A Covenant Medical Center surgical crew had to be briefed Thursday on latex precautions before they could operate on an allergic patient scheduled for a tubal ligation today. Registered nurse Linda Meier, who has worked in Covenant's operating room for 23 years, said two to three similar patients come through the doors each month. An allergic physician there also uses special gloves to do his job. An estimated 8 percent of the nation's 7 million health care workers and unknown thousands of the general public now have latex allergies, according to a related Associated Press article.
Reactions range from itching and hives to the aforementioned life-threatening conditions.
People sensitive to banana, kiwi and avocado are also more susceptible. Reactions have also been known to occur in restaurants and other settings where latex gloves are used. Latex proteins bind to the gloves' lubricating powder, which becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. The U.S. Food and Drug administration this week announced plans for attack. Right now officials are focusing on glove powder, because of its ability to enhance the dangers of latex.