P1 1WHEREAS, Latex allergy patients face a constant threat to their
2lives from exposure to rubber latex allergens; reactions can be
3elicited by touching a product containing natural rubber latex,
4breathing airborne latex proteins, or digesting food prepared using
5latex gloves; and
6WHEREAS, The incidence of latex allergies has increased due
7to widespread exposure to products containing latex; and
8WHEREAS, Up to 6 percent of people in the United States are
9estimated to have latex allergies, including up to 17 percent of
10health care and food service workers, 11 percent of elderly, and
11up to 68 percent of children with spina bifida; and
12WHEREAS, Exposure to natural rubber latex results in up to
1310 deaths per year in the community of latex allergy patients and
14is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in the operating
15room; and
16WHEREAS, Some patients with a latex allergy may also
17experience allergic symptoms when eating certain fruits,
18vegetables, and nuts, including, among other things, banana,
19avocado, kiwi, tomato, carrot, and chestnut; and
20WHEREAS, There is no cure for a latex allergy, and every
21exposure increases the sensitivity and severity of the patient’s
22condition, with distress and rebound reactions for days after
23exposure; and
24WHEREAS, Latex allergies can only be prevented by avoiding
25all latex-related products, which can be found at homes, child care
P2 1centers, stores, schools, workplaces, and health care environments,
2among other places; and
3WHEREAS, Natural rubber is found in over 40,000 products,
4including, but not limited to, hair accessories, toys, balloons, school
5and office supplies, sports equipment, and medical devices,
6resulting in a daily struggle for latex allergy patients to balance
7life and work with staying safe and healthy; and
8WHEREAS, Latex allergies result in a growing number of
9workers’ compensation claims arising from workplace exposure
10to products containing natural rubber latex; and
11WHEREAS, The American Latex Allergy Association creates
12awareness of latex allergies through education and provides support
13to individuals who have been diagnosed with a latex allergy; now,
14therefore, be it
15Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate
16hereby proclaims the week of October 2, 2016, through October
178, 2016, as Latex Allergy Awareness Week in California; and be
18it further
19Resolved, That the Senate encourages all Californians to be
20informed about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
21of latex allergies; and be it further
22Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
23this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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