Talk about Latex Allergies

[Fitzwilly]

Hey folks, I remember in the "Glove Balloons" thread there were some comments about latex alergies. I was on another site and saw these two links. I have not had time to follow them (I've got to upgrade to DSL or cable one of these days).

Natural Rubber Latex Allergy: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/latex.htm

More about latex allergy: http://www.civilrights.com/la_article1.html

[caiti_erin]

one mate of mine is alergic to the powder inside gloves not the latex..

[misterballoon]

The latex balloons are made of rubber; they will stretch from small to large size when they are blown up. The latex balloon substitutes (latex balloon alternative) will not stretch and are simply flat or filled.

The mylar and plastic balloons will float with sizes 18" and greater and take 0.5 cu ft of helium each to fill. Never let any person inhale the gas.

Mylar balloons will conduct electricity, the plastic balloons will not. Use care in not using metallic ribbons on mylar balloons. Some schools and hospitals have started switching to non-latex balloon substitutes for latex sports balls, decorations, science experiments and crafts. Mylar balloons can be washed with warm water and dish soap to remove the coloring. End result will be a plastic clear balloon.

Small vinyl balloons (less than 4 to 4.5 feet in size) will not float, however there are large polyurethane inflatable balloons in different shapes that can be used for outdoor events and do not contain latex. The most common shapes in jumbo inflatable’s are hot air, blimp and round shapes. Custom shapes can be made of just about anything. They are refillable, come with a patch kit, last outdoors for about a year and can be custom imprinted.

Vinyl spherical shaped balloons are an excellent mold for paper Mache' and plaster projects or even balloon toss. They are just like beach ball material. Sizes range from 5" to 96". Vinyl balloons will not float at all.

For those parents who wish a school to consider using non latex balloons, please call your school nurse or principal.

Balloon twisters, a nice non latex balloon for twisting is available at Boxes, Shipping Boxes, Shipping Supplies, Packaging Materials, Cardboard Boxes - ULINE. It’s a roll of poly bags, 3”, cut off desired length, heat seal or tie off one end, fill with air, then heat seal or tie off the other end. While not perfect, they do work pretty good.

Latex balloon substitutes that are now available are in the following materials: Vinyl, Plastic, Polyurethane and Mylar balloons. Medical suppliers such as Merck, Johnson and Johnson, BD sell medically certified non allergenic latex for use in hospitals, labs, operating rooms and research. Ask for rubber bladders and bulbs that are certified to be non allergenic. Synthetic latex is not an allergen, natural latex made from rubber bush is Guayale. Go to Yulex.com.

There are new laws being introduced and implemented into the legal system all the time on a state by state basis regarding balloons. Schools, the work place, hospitals, etc. have recently changed their policies regarding latex balloons. The Balloon Council in Washington DC has an excellent website that lists all new and pending laws regarding balloons by state. Also the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the American Latex Allergy Association both offer a wide realm of information and help on this subject. Run an internet search using the keyword: Non Latex Balloons. Even the FAA and local cities have new laws regarding balloons.

This material is for information purposes only. The writer and publisher assume no legal responsibility for any use or misuse of the information

[Scruffy]

What if we just gave out a free pair of poly vinyl gloves with every balloon?


...Why not?

[misterballoon]

Might as well give them an oxygen tank along with the mask, gloves and a full plastic environmental suit if you use latex balloons. It's the powder on the balloons that picks up the latex molecules, then disperses in the air, which caused a latex allergy reaction.

[Fitzwilly]

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[Gladman]

Most of the gloves used in hospitals these days are non-latex. The one I used for this picture is called "Powder-free Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves" They come in a variety of colors, and as you can see, they work just fine.

[Willace-the-Clown]

cool glad man with the people in the back ground it makes the balloon look the size of a person

[Gladman]

Of course latex balloons for twisting are another story which I will leave to the vastly more experienced members in our midst. A true allergic reaction to anything, including latex, can be life threatening, meaning it can cause death and not necessarily just a little rash. With each exposure the reaction quickly becomes more severe.

[saphireSue]

Well to re-tell my little horror story, Our ministry group was performing at a fall festival and in between shows I was twisting, I got so busy I asked one of the mothers to blow up and tie some for me with my pump. She was excited and jumped right in, [she's also a nurse] She did not mention her allergy and later told me it just never crossed her mind, she was used to watching out for medical gloves. Next day she had blisters all over her hands. I don't let her near them now.