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The interesting thing about latex is that it is a huge part of our society, often without being noticed. For example, carpet backing, pencil erasers, baby pacifiers, wheelchair tires, toys, balloons, and even elastic in clothing is latex. However, most people relate latex to adhesive tape used in hospitals, which is yet another example. Because so many people have latex allergy and the number of things made from latex is growing, symptoms are on the rise.

Take the healthcare industry for example – this particular area is surrounded by latex in the form of tape, surgical gloves, disposable syringes, and blood pressure cuffs. Because doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals use so much latex, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have released results of a study that show a minimum of 12% of all healthcare workers eventually deal with some level of latex allergy. Even so, the biggest concern regarding latex allergy relates to children with disability since their small, sick bodies are highly sensitive and susceptible, putting them at greater risk.

Keep in mind that when it comes to latex allergy, there are many different forms of reaction, some minor and some major. For instance, a Type 1 latex allergy is considered as hypersensitive, which produces symptoms ranging from minor such as watery eyes and a runny nose to more severe problems that would include nausea and vomiting, hives, and shortness of breath. With Type 1, the problem is that latex particles become airborne and then inhaled.

For Type 4 latex allergy, the reaction is limited to any exposed area. This would include someone having surgery and the bandages being held on by latex tape. The result is a skin rash and irritation, swelling, and redness that typically lasts anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Obviously, this type of latex allergy is not nearly as serious although it is quite frustrating.

Keep in mind that latex is actually a natural product that comes from a rubber tree’s sap. Because it is so flexible, strong, and costs very little to manufacture, it takes first place over many similar manmade products. If you suspect that you have a latex allergy, you can see your doctor for a thorough examination and blood work. This test involves looking at a certain antibody called IgE immunoassays, which is performed through skin testing.

This particular test is currently being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and while it is highly accurate for proving latex allergy, it is not designed to determine the severity of the allergy. Therefore, in addition to the testing, if you have reaction to latex, you should avoid using it, turning instead to vinyl or plastic.

About The Author

Grant Segall RPh is a pharmacist and webmaster of the allergy related website http://www.allergy-allergy.com.

grant@allergy-allergy.com

This article was posted on April 20, 2005

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Why Choose Semperguard Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are very similar to latex gloves as they have also been made from synthetic latex, but do not actually contain the proteins that latex ones have. These types of gloves are far more durable than other gloves being used as protective wear and are resistant not only to being punctured but tearing as well. The Nitrile glove is in fact three times as strong as traditional rubber gloves and are also resistant to many chemicals that are used in medical and industrial environments as well as in the home.

Unlike latex gloves, Nitrile ones are very easy to put on as they are far less resistant to friction. The gloves are extremely popular with medical professionals as they are also very flexible. When you are thinking about buying gloves such as these then are a few things that you will need to take into consideration first.

Firstly you need to think about how much protection you want the gloves to provide you with. Secondly, you need to look at not just the quality of the gloves, but also the way in which they have been produced. Finally, you need to discover whether they are likely to cause any kind of allergic reaction in you when you wear them.

All Nitrile gloves are given a grade and it is this which will quickly tell you what level of protection that they offer to you. The grades for any kind of Nitrile glove are from 1 to 3 and the higher the number the more protection they will provide to the person wearing them. In most cases Nitrile gloves which come with a grade 3 are those worn by those in medical fields from doctors, to surgeons, to nurses to paramedics.

However, there are Nitrile gloves that one can use at home and these are of a far less superior quality than those used by medical professionals. However, they still offer your hands good protection no matter what task you are doing. Wear these kinds of gloves around the home when you are doing tasks such as painting or cleaning drains.

All Nitrile gloves have inside them cornstarch which further helps to make the process of actually putting them on much easier. As well as them coming in a variety of different sizes so that they fit all hands. You can either purchase them from extra small to extra large sizes and there are differences also in the thickness of the gloves as well. Plus they can also be made in a number of different textures so you are sure to find a pair that meet your own particular requirements perfectly.

Before you purchase any Nitrile gloves you need to know exactly what size you should be buying. The best way of working out what size you need is to find out the circumference of your hand. You do this by taking a tape measure or ruler and placing it across the palm of your hand from the base of the thumb to the other side that is level with it.

It is vital that after purchasing your Nitrile gloves that you make sure that you store them properly. These gloves should be at all times get out of the way of direct sources of light or heat. Unfortunately if left near a heat source or somewhere that light is able to shine onto them then very quickly the material that they are made from begins to disintegrate. This will then mean that when you use them they will offer you little or no protection.

By: Marcus Ronan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

There are a range of gloves available to buy at online stores but SemperGuard Nitrile Gloves are one of the most popular. But there are other ranges of industrial gloves that have business and domestic uses.

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d95

The interesting thing about latex is that it is a huge part of our society, often without being noticed. For example, carpet backing, pencil erasers, baby pacifiers, wheelchair tires, toys, balloons, and even elastic in clothing is latex. However, most people relate latex to adhesive tape used in hospitals, which is yet another example. Because so many people have latex allergy and the number of things made from latex is growing, symptoms are on the rise.

Take the healthcare industry for example – this particular area is surrounded by latex in the form of tape, surgical gloves, disposable syringes, and blood pressure cuffs. Because doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals use so much latex, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have released results of a study that show a minimum of 12% of all healthcare workers eventually deal with some level of latex allergy. Even so, the biggest concern regarding latex allergy relates to children with disability since their small, sick bodies are highly sensitive and susceptible, putting them at greater risk.

Keep in mind that when it comes to latex allergy, there are many different forms of reaction, some minor and some major. For instance, a Type 1 latex allergy is considered as hypersensitive, which produces symptoms ranging from minor such as watery eyes and a runny nose to more severe problems that would include nausea and vomiting, hives, and shortness of breath. With Type 1, the problem is that latex particles become airborne and then inhaled.

For Type 4 latex allergy, the reaction is limited to any exposed area. This would include someone having surgery and the bandages being held on by latex tape. The result is a skin rash and irritation, swelling, and redness that typically lasts anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Obviously, this type of latex allergy is not nearly as serious although it is quite frustrating.

Keep in mind that latex is actually a natural product that comes from a rubber tree’s sap. Because it is so flexible, strong, and costs very little to manufacture, it takes first place over many similar manmade products. If you suspect that you have a latex allergy, you can see your doctor for a thorough examination and blood work. This test involves looking at a certain antibody called IgE immunoassays, which is performed through skin testing.

This particular test is currently being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and while it is highly accurate for proving latex allergy, it is not designed to determine the severity of the allergy. Therefore, in addition to the testing, if you have reaction to latex, you should avoid using it, turning instead to vinyl or plastic.

About The Author

Grant Segall RPh is a pharmacist and webmaster of the allergy related website http://www.allergy-allergy.com.

grant@allergy-allergy.com

This article was posted on April 20, 2005

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