Allergies to latex can be triggered by either direct contact, inhalation, or accidental injestion.

- Direct contact. The most common trigger is from direct skin contact with latex, such as by wearing latex gloves or by contact with latex-containing products.

-Inhalation. Latex products, especially gloves, shed latex particles, which can become airborne. Be extra careful in areas with a lot of latex balloons - ESPECIALLY in areas where they are being inflated or popped. Latex ballons (plain, non-metallic, rubber ones) release a large amount of latex particles into the air and increase the risks of inhalation reactions.

-Ingestion. Usually accidental, since we don't eat latex, but some common foods, such as avocadoes, may trigger a cross-reaction in those allergic to latex. If you are sensitive to or allergic to latex, you should avoid eating avocadoes, bananas, chestnuts, and kiwi or passion fruits. These foods contain proteins which are similar enough to latex proteins to cause a reaction in some individuals.

Natural vs Synthetic Latex

There are two types of commonly used materials from natural latex sources:

Hardened rubber. This type of latex is found in products such as athletic shoes, tires and rubber balls.

Dipped latex. Latex of this kind is found in some products that are "stretchy," such as rubber gloves, balloons, rubber bands and condoms. Most allergic reactions to latex occur with products made of dipped latex because they're often used directly against the skin.

Not all latex products are made from natural sources. Products containing artificial or synthetic latex, such as latex paint, are unlikely to cause a reaction because they aren't used against the skin and don't contain the natural latex proteins.

Risk Factors for Developing a Latex Allergy

Certain people are at greater risk of developing a latex allergy:

*Children with spina bifida. The risk of latex allergy is highest in children with spina bifida - a birth defect that affects the development of the spine. Children with this disorder often are exposed to latex products through early and frequent health care. About half of all children with spina bifida are allergic to latex.

*Health care workers. If you work in the health care field, your chances of developing an allergy are higher. The signs and symptoms of latex allergy may be similar to those of occupational asthma, a lung disease caused by inhaling workplace substances.

*People with food allergies. Latex allergy is also related to certain foods. Foods such as avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis and passion fruits contain some of the same allergens found in latex. If you're allergic to latex, you have a greater chance of also being allergic to these foods.

*People with a family history of allergies. You're at increased risk of latex allergy if other allergies, such as hay fever or hives, are common in your family

-Limit the number of latex products that you use. Most latex products have safter alternatives.

-Discuss reducing the number of latex products you might come in contact with at work with your employer.

-Be sure to tell your doctors, dentists and nurses about your allergy.

-If you must wear gloves at work, choose gloves made without latex. Vinyl gloves work in many situations.

-Stay away from areas of your workplace where other workers may be wearing latex gloves. Request that the people you work with use gloves that aren't powdered.

-Wear a medical alert bracelet.

-Use nonlatex condoms.