In an effort to provide its employees, patients and visitors with the safest and healthiest surroundings possible, Providence Health & Services hospitals no longer permit latex balloons at Providence hospitals. In lieu of latex balloons, we suggest shiny, metallic Mylar balloons for hospital visitors who wish to cheer up a friend or family member with balloons. Though more expensive, Mylar balloons stay inflated much longer than the latex version and feature printed messages. We know it will take some time to educate the public about the new policy and the dangers associated with latex, says Sandra Pargman, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center safety director. Pargman participates on Providence St. Vincent’s Latex Safety Steering Committee, which has led the way toward reducing the amount of latex within Providence hospitals. We strongly believe, however, that once people understand the risks involved and that the new policy is ultimately for their benefit, they’ll see the value in the steps that have been taken." Latex allergy is a serious public health issue with seemingly endless boundaries and wide-ranging workplace implications, says Pargman. Statistics have shown that individuals who regularly come into contact with latex are most likely to suffer its consequences, which can range from skin irritations to potentially fatal respiratory problems. Furthermore, research indicates that up to 6 percent of the general population and 12 percent or more of health care workers have latex allergies. Don Elsom, Providence St. Vincent’s operations administrator, concurs. By becoming ‘latex-reduced,’ Providence St. Vincent has joined a growing nationwide trend of hospitals that no longer allow latex balloons on-campus, he adds. “We’ve been heading in this direction over the past few years, and we’re pleased that we’re now in a position to put forth this new policy for the safety and benefit of everyone at Providence St. Vincent, Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Milwaukie Hospital. The danger from latex arises from large amounts of allergen protein in latex, as well as latex powder or dust that absorbs latex proteins. In the case of balloons, when a balloon is inflated or deflated, handled or popped, its latex powder can float through the air and be inhaled by people within a large area, putting them at risk of an allergic reaction. These reactions can take many forms, from simple complications, such as a rash, to more serious ones, like life-threatening asthma or fatal anaphylactic shock and respiratory arrest. It’s also been determined that those at the highest risk for latex allergy are people who have been exposed to latex for prolonged periods, such as health care workers and people who have had multiple surgeries. For more information on latex and the risks associated with it, please visit
latexallergylinks.tripod.com
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