Latex Allergy Policy
Policy:
Provide an environment that is as latex-free as possible for employees and students.
Purpose:
To assure learning and working environment that is as latex-free as possible. Latex-free environments are seldom available in either clinical or academic settings. Therefore, the following information is being presented to inform employees and students of the potential risks associated with exposure to latex.
Definition:
Latex allergy is a reaction to proteins which are in natural rubber. Allergic reactions to these proteins are usually immediate but may be delayed in some instances. Approximately 8-12% of health care workers are sensitized to latex. People who are most at risk are people who have tendencies toward allergic conditions, people with spina bifida and people who have food allergies. Risk is minimized by using powder-free gloves and avoiding using oil-based hand creams when wearing latex gloves.
A person is still exposed to latex residue of others working in the area or to latex present in the equipment, models and mannequins while wearing alternative vinyl or nitrile gloves. Although latex gloves are the most prominent source of latex allergen, many other products contain latex including, but not limited to:
- Stethoscopes, catheters, respirators, and goggles
- Blood pressure cuffs, medication vials, syringe connectors and wound drains
- Endotracheal tubes, syringes, IV tubing and tourniquets
- Erasers, paint, computer terminals, etc.
Program:
Employees and students who may have developed symptoms matching the definitions of latex allergy are encouraged to consult their primary care physician. Such consults are at the expense of the employee or student.
The responsibility of understanding the risks associated with exposure to latex during a clinical education and healthcare career, even when reasonable precautions are made lies with the employee or student who has the latex sensitivity. Such precautions may include carrying of an epi-pen by the individual or other recommendations made by the healthcare provider.
Use of latex gloves is prohibited within campus facilities of MGH Institute of Health Professions. In addition:
- Latex-fee and powder-free gloves will be provided in all lab areas.
- Use / display of latex balloons is prohibited on campus
- Educational material on latex allergies will be provided to students / employees on an annual basis by human resources and office of student affairs (student catalog/faculty handbook). Included will be participating in Latex Allergy Awareness Month each October.
- Personnel should be aware and help to identify existing items on campus that contain latex that may need to be eliminated or have warning labels posted
- As existing equipment is replaced, non-latex equipment should be considered when purchased, if available. If non-latex materials are not available, skin contact precautions will be utilized with anyone who has a latex allergy or sensitivity.
- Departments needing to use latex products should communicate accordingly to constituents and label or post warnings as needed about the use of latex and allergy sensitivities
- The Institute is not responsible if a clinical affiliation site does not provide a latex free environment.
- For Institute events employees are to use caterers who confirm non-use of latex gloves with food preparation. A list of current vendors who do not use latex gloves is located on the Intranet under Event Planning.
- Latex restrictions in planning events are listed within the Event Planning Guide located on the Intranet and are to be followed by all employees.
For more information on latex sensitivity, i.e.,
- What are the symptoms of latex allergy?
- Who is at risk?
Please visit the following web sites:
American Latex Allergy Association: www.latexallergyresources.org
Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexalt.html