I know of a physician who has developed a latex allergy, progressively
worse over time.  He cannot use latex gloves, of course, but he also cannot
be in the room when anyone else puts on latex gloves.  The latex gets into
the air, especially if powdered gloves are used, and he is in danger of
going into anaphylactic shock if he breathes in any of the dust.  (The
latex protein in the glove combines with the powder during the
manufacturing process.)

I do not know how this might relate to babies that are exposed to latex
bottle nipples or gloves used in assessing the oral cavity and are
sensitized early to latex as an allergen.  It certainly has implications
for health care workers, including lactation consultants.  It makes it very
difficult for this physician to work in a health care setting.  Some
hospitals now have a latex-free operating room for those patients who have
latex allergies.

An article on latex allergies appeared in the NY Times on January 29, 1997,
page B 10. One interesting fact from that article: "The reaction to latex
may be worsened when someone eats a banana or other fruit that has a
protein similar to latex and is then exposed to latex around the same
time...  Papayas, avacados and nuts can cause similar problems."  Also, the
article states, "..people must learn to live with a latex allergy, for
there is no way to desensitize a sufferer."  A number of lawsuits are now
pending.  I would not want to be the lactation consultant whose use of a
latex glove sensitized a baby to this dangerous allergy.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI
e-mail address:    [log in to unmask]