| Make your home base safe |
| MedicAlert® bracelet: Can read “Avoid latex” if you are in the high risk group |
| EpiPen(s) easily available (not tucked away in the bathroom cabinet) |
| Documentation regarding latex allergy explanation of latex allergy letter from physician authorization to use own supply of latex free equipment at home in an emergency article (i.e. NIOSH alert) |
| Alert ambulance companies and 911 to have name, address and phone flagged as a severe latex allergy |
| Emergency meds/supplies in location known to family members in both home and automobile First aid supplies |
| Daily medications |
| Signs on home and car windows |
| Emergency medical numbers (including physician/allergist) listed |
| Home considerations |
| Hard wood floors vs carpeting |
| Weather stripping (most is synthetic) (car, windows, doors, garage door) |
| Air filtration system (discuss w/ allergist— may suffice to have regular changing of filters) |
| Consider becoming smoke free/ fragrance free/ perfume free |
| Bathroom |
| Replace rubberized “non skid” mats w/ cotton throws |
| Avoid rubber gripped tooth brushes |
| Be aware that some tub toys, cosmetics, sanitary napkins and diapers may contain rubber |
| Appliance (hair dryer) cords may be rubberized, though many plugs are plastic |
| Packaging of OTC medical supplies |
| Kitchen |
| Appliances— cook top, dishwasher, refrigerator |
| Sink nozzle, sink stoppers and sink mats may contain rubber |
| Replace all rubber gripped utensils w/ metal, wood or plastic |
| Caution in using hermetically sealed jars |
| Packaging of pantry products |
| Bedroom |
| Some mattresses contain latex. Also be aware of the dust mite/mold factor for those with asthma |
| Synthetic pillows rather than foam or feather |
| Avoid handling waterproof bed pads |
| General |
| Rugs— horsehair pads rather than foam rubber ones (unless synthetic foam rubber) |
| New carpeting or freshly cleaned carpets can be problematic |
| Clickers and phones, plastic vs rubber buttons |
| electrical cords and weatherstripping |
| Check mop and broom handles, binoculars, telescope eye pieces, video camera view piece |
| Replace vacuum filters regularly |
| Garage/Yard |
| Garage control box— plastic buttons |
| Decide where to store all rubber galoshes, Wellies, rain slickers, etc. |
| Check garden tools and gloves— “comfort grip” may be rubberized |
| Office |
| Consider elimination of rubber bands or substitutions of latex free rubber bands, string etc. |
| Mouse pad, keyboards, and calculators |
| Many pens have grips that need to be avoided |
| Erasers and stamp pads |
| Glue in envelopes and stickers may contain latex |
| Kids’ Rooms |
| Use this as an opportunity to clear out toy box |
| Sports equipment, balls, many toys |
| Art supplies, glue |
| Clothing |
| Clothing appliques can contain rubber |
| Wash new garments, bathing suits, prior to wear |
| Shoes (insoles, outer soles, glue) |
| Clothes hangers |
| Community |
| Care w/ newspapers |
| Have all medical records of family members labeled for latex precautions |
| Medical office precautions |
| Restaurants— glove use by food handlers |
| Cross-sensitivity learn to live w/o chestnuts, kiwi fruit, bananas, tomatoes or avocados |
| Care when touching door handles/toilet seats etc that might have latex residue from contact with latex gloves |
| Cars |
| Check for balloons on car lot |
| Check for exposed latex in interior |
| Ability to close air vent rapidly |
| Be aware that mechanics often wear latex gloves when servicing cars |
| Latex allergy decal on car (recommended in 2 places— driver and passenger side) |
| Consider carrying gloves etc. in car at all times |
| Recreation |
| Pools: indoor ones may trigger asthmatic responses from chemicals; most above ground pool liners are vinyl |
| Latex free bathing caps and goggles are available |
| Prudent shopping for all recreation purchases: bicycles, kayaks, wet suits, tennis racket grips, balls, running shoes |
| Gym equipment (i.e., treadmills, handles on other machines) and mats frequently contain latex |
| Many public events can present opportunities for exposure or for asthma triggers |
| Sports equipment may contain latex or other irritating chemicals |
| Stores |
| Watch out for point of purchase displays w/ balloons |
| Check-out belts may contain latex |
| Accumulation of adhesives, chemicals and other indoor pollutants may trigger asthma |
| ATM machines (buttons) |
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