ACCESS

Latex Allergy Policy Statement

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (the “University”) is committed to providing safe and healthy learning and working environments for all members of the University community. The purpose of the Latex Policy is to reduce, so far as is reasonably possible, the exposure of students and employees to latex proteins on our campus. This page serves as an educational resource to promote awareness and the availability of protective measures to ensure the safety of individuals with latex allergies or sensitivities. 

Reason for Policy

Exposure to latex, accelerants, and other chemicals used in PPE and dental supplies may result in allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities. Reports of allergies and chemical sensitivity have increased in recent years, especially among health care workers due to exposure to the chemicals. 

Latex allergies affect 1-6% of the general population and 8-12% of healthcare workers. Some studies report higher numbers including that approximately one third of dental care workers experience latex allergies. Multiple chemical sensitivity is medically diagnosed in 12.8% of the population, but 25.9% report chemical sensitivity whether medically diagnosed or not. Data is not available regarding prevalence of this condition in health care and dental health care providers, but observational data suggest that the rate of chemical sensitivity is rising. See Cleveland Clinic for more information.

Latex has been used in many items used in healthcare including dental health care. In 2016 the Food and Drug Administration banned powdered surgeon’s and examination gloves in healthcare settings after studies determined that it was the powder in gloves that allowed the latex particles to become airborne. The FDA made further recommendations on labeling products to inform users that they are “Not made with natural rubber latex” but not that they are latex-free since there are no test methods that can demonstrate the absence of latex particles.

Who is at Risk?

• Individuals with ongoing exposure to latex are at risk of developing latex allergy. This may also include persons who have undergone multiple surgical procedures
• Individuals with a tendency to multiple allergic reactions (atopic individuals) are at increased risk for developing latex allergy.
• Individuals with allergies to certain foods, especially avocado, potato, banana, tomato, chestnuts, kiwi fruit, and papaya, have an increased risk of developing latex allergy, because these foods contain the same proteins that are in latex
• Individuals with spina bifida are also at increased risk of latex allergy.
• Latex allergies are progressive, meaning they worsen with repeated exposure to latex. 

Definitions and Reactions

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A skin reaction to the chemical additives used during  the manufacturing process. Signs include skin rash, including blisters that can develop as much as 24-48 hours after exposure. This can predispose the individual to develop more serious life-threatening allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis.  

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: A form of skin reaction that develops as dry, itchy, or irritated skin, usually on the hands or face. It is also associated with frequent hand washing and is not an allergic reaction

Latex: A term used to describe products made using Natural Rubber Latex. “Latex” in this policy refers to subtypes of Latex that are known to cause an allergic response in sensitized individuals.  

Latex Allergy: Is a reaction to one or more of the components of latex rubber products. Research has proven that latex is a sensitizer, in that a person can  develop a reaction from exposure to it. This sensitivity can increase to the point where violent reactions may occur at the slightest exposure. Rare severe reactions include breathing difficulty or anaphylaxis.

Severity of Reaction to Latex and Other Chemicals

There are two main types of reactions to natural rubber latex:

1. Type I - (IgE or Immunoglobulin mediated allergic reaction) Immediate hypersensitivity caused by the natural protein residue in latex rubber. Begins within minutes of exposure. May be localized, but has the potential to become systemic at any time
   
   • Rare severe reactions include breathing difficulty or anaphylaxis.
2. Type IV - Otherwise referred to as "Contact Dermatitis", a delayed hypersensitivity caused by residual accelerants or other chemicals in latex rubber. Localized with no risk of systemic reaction. Reactions are usually localized to the contact area and occur within 12-48 hours of exposure. 

Latex Use Prohibited

1. The use or distribution of latex gloves for any purpose
2. Latex balloons and other latex based decor are prohibited in all University spaces (indoor and outdoor) and at all University programs and events.
3. Distribution of items made primarily of latex including but not limited to promotional items and school supplies unless individually wrapped in a manner that prevents inadvertent release of latex powder residue or other latex contact. Individually wrapped items will be clearly marked as containing latex

Procedures

University employees are expected to identify existing items in their areas that contain latex in a form that could cause an allergic reaction in someone who has a latex allergy or sensitivity. As existing equipment is replaced, non-latex equipment will be purchased if available. 

Exposure Control for Events and Campus Programming

1. Latex balloons and latex-containing decorations are not allowed in public areas or at celebrations hosted by the SIUE.
2. Alternatives to latex balloons include Mylar foil balloons, plastic balloons, or vinyl decorations.
3. If latex decorations are knowingly used in non-public areas of the campus, signs should be posted alerting students, staff, faculty, and visitors that there is latex present in the area.

Exposure Control for Clinical Students, Staff and Faculty

1. Non-latex gloves are used in all clinic areas for all applications including patient care, laboratory work, and housekeeping tasks.
2. Alternatives to latex include nitrile, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene (plastic), and vinyl.
3. New products under review for use in patient care should be confirmed as not made from latex.

If you are an employee with a latex allergy, please notify your supervisor, and share any materials identified in the workplace which may contain latex. Students and employees with documented latex allergies are encouraged to contact the ACCESS office if accommodations may be required.