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To: samcat9 who wrote (1521)	7/28/1998 9:52:00 AM
From: Jeffrey L. Henken	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 2887

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