Latex Allergy

Latex (natural rubber) has been used to make medical gloves and other commonly used products for over 100 years.Latex allergy was first recognized in the general population in the late 1970’s.

Since that time, it has become a major health issue.People who have intense and long term exposure to latex gloves or medical products which contain latex, especially from early in life, are at very high risk.People with spina bifida therefore, are at the highest risk.Many people with spina bifida are sensitive to latex, yet are completely unaware of the risks.

Commonly Used Medical Products That May Contain Latex:

Blood Pressure Cuffs, Stethoscopes, Disposable Gloves, Oral and Nasal Airways, Endotracheal Tubes, Tourniquets, Intravenous Tubing, Syringes, Electrode Pads, Surgical Masks, Protective Eye Wear (Goggles), *Catheters*, Injection ports, Rubber tops of multidose vials, Wound drains

Household Products That May Contain Latex

Rubberbands, Pencil Erasers (Rubbers), Wheelchair Tires or Handle Grips, Bicycle Hand Grips, Carpeting, Shoe soles, Expandable Fabric (Elastic) on Waistbands, Hot Water Bottles, Condoms, Diaphragms (Dutch Cap), Balloons, Baby Dummies and Baby Bottle Teats.

These items should not be seen as a COMPLETE list as there are hundreds of products available that contain latex. Some products are available in latex free forms!