Sustainable Hospitals

Latex

Alternative Products and Procedures
Mercury PVC

Some people have allergies to proteins found in products containing natural rubber latex. The degree of allergic reactions may range from simple irritation and itching to anaphylactic shock and death. It is thought that frequent exposure to latex may lead to the development of latex allergies and the worsening of reactions in those already sensitized. Several studies found that from 8-12.5% of health care workers suffer from some form of latex sensitivity, as well as 40-65% of children with Spina Bifada and patients who undergo frequent medical procedures (Brown, 1998 and NIOSH, 1997).

Products using latex in the hospital include:

adhesive tape	condoms	injection ports
balloons	dental dams	IV tubing ports
bandaids	diaper elastic	medication vials
bottle nipples	elastic bandages	rubber bands
catheters	erasers	tires
clothing	gloves	tourniquets

There are a number of organizations working on alternatives to latex.

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