Mellow Seeks Public Education on Latex
HARRISBURG, April 27, 1998 -- Senate Democratic Leader Robert J.
Mellow is leading an effort to raise awareness of health problems
associated with the widespread use of latex gloves and other products
made from the material.
Mellow said his interest in the issue stems from a recent letter from a
constituent whose daughter, a dentist, nearly died from an allergic
reaction after using surgical gloves mistakenly labeled as non-latex.
Mellow has introduced a resolution (SR 196) calling on the governor to
appoint a committee of health care professionals, including the state
Secretary of Health, to study the adverse effects of latex and
recommend ways to educate the public on the dangers latex products
can pose to those with the allergy. The committee would also
recommend methods to reduce exposure to latex allergens.
Legislation on this issue has been introduced in New York, Indiana,
Wisconsin, Oregon and Nebraska. Mellow said health care
professionals estimate that approximately 22,000 Pennsylvanians are
currently at risk for developing latex allergies.
The dangers of latex allergies first gained statewide prominence when
Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Wanda Filer resigned her post just
15 months after her appointment to the position.
Dr. Filer said political interference from officials in the administration of
Gov. Tom Ridge hastened her departure and specifically cited a
reprimand she received from administration officials for distributing
information on latex allergies to health care providers.
"Latex allergy is a very serious and potentially lethal condition that
forces thousands of people to lead very cautious lives," Mellow said.
"From the doctor's office, the dentist office and even restaurant
kitchens, it can be difficult to completely avoid latex products."
According to American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology,
the symptoms of latex allergy range from a mild itching rash and
congestion to asthma to life threatening anaphylactic shock.
In 1997, after receiving more over 1,700 reports of latex allergy
reactions, including 16 deaths, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
ordered that any medical device containing latex carry a warning about
potential allergic reactions. That same year, the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health issued a nationwide alert to health care
employers and workers urging that they take action to reduce latex
related health problems.
Health care workers are especially susceptible to developing an allergy
to latex because of their daily proximity to medical products containing
latex. Children with spina bifida are another high risk group because of
their frequent exposure to latex products through multiple surgical
procedures.
More information on latex allergies is available on the World Wide Web
by visiting the following site:
pw2.netcom.com |
