Dear Editor:
As I walk into Walmart and saw all of the balloons, I turned around and walked out. You may ask why. I have a latex allergy. The public needs education on latex allergy and how dangerous it can be. I always hear, Well, do not touch the balloons. There is more to it than that. You can trigger the allergy by touch, inhalation and ingestion. Latex-based products can include balloons, rubber gloves, condoms, pacifiers, baby bottle nipples these are just a few.
Natural rubber latex gives off particles in the air. They can stay in the air 24-48 hours. Health care workers are at high risk for latex allergy, which I am. Most hospital have gone to latex free.
The most serious allergic reaction is an anaphylactic response, which can be deadly. Acute reaction treatment is epinephrine, steroids, and Benadryl. This characterized by hypotension, bronchial spasm and a rash. This allergy is so sensitive that unbelievably small quantities of the allergen can cause a reaction.
That is what happen to me. I was lucky that I was at work at the hospital. I have to carry an Epi-pen and Benadryl at all times. If I have another, I may not be so lucky. I could end up dead. That is how bad this latex allergy can be.
So around holidays, special events and sales at Walmart or City Market or any store, I can not go in. At Walmart it has been up to a week that I could not go in. After the balloons are down I still have to wait 24 hours before I can go in. Even a small exposure can trigger a reaction.
So Walmart or any other store. no more balloons! Maybe now the people who think nothing about balloons will now see how dangerous latex can be.
Jan Baker
Cortez
Via e-mail