Latex balloons are dangerous because they contain large amounts of the allergen protein as well as powder which absorbs latex proteins. If a latex-allergic individual inhales the powder, respiratory distress and or anaphylactic shock can occur. Latex balloons also pose a choking hazard to children. If a child inhales or chokes on a piece of balloon, the balloon must be removed within a few minutes to prevent brain injury or death from suffocation. Those who are at the highest risk for latex allergy are people who have had more contact with latex, such as health care workers, and people who have had numerous surgeries or procedures and have a history of allergies.
People become more sensitive to latex from repeated contact.
There is no specific cure for latex allergy. Prevention, avoidance and symptomatic treatment are used to treat latex allergy. Faith Regional Health Services is currently using powder free, low protein, latex gloves. For employees who have a latex sensitivity or allergy we offer non-latex gloves. If our patients have a sensitivity or allergy to latex products, we have latex free products on hand.