Latex allergy and Spina Bifida
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is an allergic reaction to a substance in natural rubber. For unknown reasons, people with spina bifida have an abnormally high adversion to the latex allergy. Quite often, those with spina bifida aren't born with the allergy but contract it over time. With that, we encourage everyone with spina bifida to avoid latex-based products.
Where can latex be found?
| Bananas |
Rubber Bands |
| Chestnuts |
Erasers |
| Passion Fruit |
Gloves |
| Avocado |
Balloons |
| Kiwi |
Condoms |
| Melon |
Soles of shoes |
| Celery |
Rubber bands |
| Wheelchair Tire Inner Tubes |
|
This is just a small list of items that contain Latex. For a complete listing, check out the 2009 Latex List (en Espanol) distributed by the Spina Bifida Association National Office. |
Important alert
regarding vaccinations
It has been determined that some vaccines actually contain small levels of latex. For a list of what vaccines contain latex, check out this list of vaccines put out by the CDC.
SBAWI was informed by a constituent that you can ask your doctor for a latex free vial and also have the needle replaced after the syringe has gone through the latex stopper. This will put on a clean needle that did not touch the latex.
We are under the impression that this worked for a family in our association and recommend that you consult your doctor about this procedure. It is imperative that you consult your physician for their professional advice. |
