NON-LATEX
Andrew has a latex allergy! We knew before he was born that one day he could develop this allergy. Even though we were very careful to keep things like latex gloves, feeding nipples, balloons, etc away from him, this allergy still happened. Children's hospital of Boston is latex free now but wasn't yet 100% back when Andrew was born. All of Andrew's surgeries were done latex-free, from what we were told. The things that did have latex in them were covered with tape if in his room. And a "Latex Allergy" sign was taped to his door and over his bed in his hospital room. So far the only reactions that Andrew has had is hives. His first reaction was at 8 months old when he was eating banana's, his mouth broke out then I found out about CROSS REACTIVE FOODS like bananas, chestnuts, avocados and kiwi fruit. Since his first reaction at 8 months old he has had other minor reactions over the years. Even though we try to keep Andrew away from latex items it is still hard when store/shops use balloons or latex gloves. Below is a picture of when Andrew at 4 years old he reacted to a cell phone cord.
Face seen here with hives
Now that Andrew is older he gets upset that he can't go to many places (which breaks my heart) because many places use Latex balloons for decorations. Places like restaurants, stores (the malls), the bowling allies -use latex balloons for kids birthday parties. Even the Bellingham Public library used latex balloons for decorations and for the children's events. We had to get local disabilities agencies to help us prove that using latex balloons there (at the library) was discriminating against Andrew's civil rights. We asked them to discontinue the use of both latex balloons and latex gloves from the building. (March 2005)
As of May 11th the Bellingham (MA) Public library adopted a no latex balloon and glove policy :) The 2 articles that were in my local paper are copied here with permission. (also my rebuttal is added to the tops of the page)
Read the news paper articles about both our son's allergies
At the bottom of this page there is a small list of items we use with him.
What is latex allergy?
Latex allergy, or hypersensitivity, occurs when the body's immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex. The immune system launches a "defense" that can cause a host of unpleasant and, in some cases, life-threatening symptoms. It is the same type of generalized allergic reaction seen when individuals who are allergic to bee venom receive a bee sting.
What triggers the immune system's reaction to latex?
Some individuals have specific antibodies, called IgE antibodies, that make them hypersensitive to the proteins in natural rubber latex. IgE-mediated reactions to latex proteins are responsible for most and for the most severe allergic reactions to latex. Also, various chemicals that are added to latex during processing may be responsible for some local skin
reactions, but these additives have not been implicated in the more generalized, potentially fatal allergic reactions associated with latex.
What is natural rubber latex?
Natural rubber latex is a processed plant product derived almost exclusively from the tree hevea braziliensis found in Africa and Southeast Asia. Natural rubber latex should not be confused with butyl- or petroleum-based synthetic rubbers. Synthetic products, including latex house paints, have not been shown to pose any hazard to latex-sensitive individuals.
Syringes used to give Andrew medications are:
Terumo Medical Corporation~1-800-283-7866
Baxa Corporation Exact-Med dispenser 1-800-525-9567
B-D syringes~ 1-800-435-5623
Also check your Pedi's office for what they are using for your child's shots. Andrew would react until I told them I wanted B-D syringes to be used and the rubber stopper to be taken off first.Bandages, tapes, dressings used are from:
Sparkle (package says "latex free" got them at Wal-mart and Target)
Glitter strips (package says "latex free" got these at Target)
3M Active strips 1-800-537-2191
Dressing tape - Call (800)-3M-HELPS
Micropore (paper)
Transpore (clear)
Microfoam (foam)
Durapore (silk)MISC. ITEMS
Mentor catheter
1-800-328-3863 or 1-800-618-6656Baxter Vinyl Gloves (Also kept in the backpack)
1-800-4-BAXTEREpiPens- pen-size injector full of epinephrine. (One is kept at home, one at school and one on either myself your my husband when ever we have Andrew) Now due to Shane's food allergies we now carry one for him at all times too and yes even a pin that tells of his food allergies!
Benadryl Liquid Dye-Free (Kept at home and at school)
Andrew (and now Shane) also wears a Medic Alert bracelet all the time. Please get one of these bracelets -it could save your child's life.
NO
's
I have checked on all of these products and feel confident in using them on my son, but I strongly recommend double-checking with the manufacturer of any item before you plan on using them with an individual who may have, a latex allergy.
I also have a button/pin on his backpack that says
click on the paypal button to order a pin
Did you know? Latex-free products can be ordered through these catalogs:
Alternative Resource Catalog (latex free products, including undergarments)
800-618-3129
CETRA products for Latex-free Living 888-LATEX-NO
SAFETex Specialized products for a latex safe environment
(ReliaCare Express) 888-225-1941Also, if you are looking for non-latex clothes or other products I have a list of links here "Clothes catalogs"
The
Spina Bifida Association has a list of latex-safe alternatives.
off site
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800 #'s to a large list of Medical products to check for latex.
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800 #'s to Toy and Baby
Product Manufacturers, to check for latex.
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A off site
link to a page to get info on: Latex-free school supplies.
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Susete
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