Hi Rosemarie, I don't know how much I can help you. I don't know how
severe your child's allergy is. Mine is now quite severe, so I'm
told. For ten years I kept stable by avoiding obvious rubber
containing products. I can only share my understanding and personal
experience with you. I hope it is helpful. It is the natural
rubber, that causes reactions for "latex allergic" folks. Synthetic
rubber is okay. They only way to find out what you got is to call
manufacturers. I use the internet "white pages.com" alot to find
elusive phone numbers. Read packages carefully and call any numbers
that might appear on them first before opening. do not allow
baloons, latex surgical gloves, rubber bands, in the house. Because
of the powder in and on them, small particles of latex adheres to the
powder, that becomes airborne and floats like dust contaminating your
environment. Children's balls, handballs, tennis balls kick balls,
basketballs, tennis balls... are usually natural rubber based
products. Also, be aware of toy cars and trucks... their tires may
be a problem.. Cheap rubbery smelling dollar store or discount store
sneakers can pose a risk.. Rain coats and snow boats are sometimes
rubber coated... sometimes not. It all boils down to researching the
products you use. Some carpet adhesives contain rubber bases.. this
I recently found out the hard way with an area carpet we purchased
for the living room. Also, non'skid mats to keep your carpets from
slipping. No rubber backed carpets and mats for the bathroom or
entrances. I have all rag carpets for foot wiping. Chewing gum also
can have rubber compounds in them. The spina bifida association has
a lot of information on-line about managing latex allergy for kids
and in their schools. Try them.. Also, the American Latex Allergy
Association website has info and links. I have also used the
American Association for Allergy Asthma and Immunology as a
resource. What I am finding out though is you have to research and
know your products. Where ever you go, ask questions, observe your
environment. Look out for people wrapping things with rubber bands
or handing over a pen to be borrowed with a grippy on it. Also, look
out for rubber based foams,like on crutches or bicycle handles. We
have found that even though I am the only one with latex allergy in
the family, in order to prevent cross contamination, the entire
household is treated as though it were allergic. Look out for
mattresses--- some of the foam is "foam rubber" Be careful where you
go to eat or get take out. Many places still use latex gloves when
handling food. Watch the folks that cut your deli meats... What are
their gloves made of? Natural rubber allergy reations can be caused
by direct contact, inhalation, or ingestion of foods contaminated
with it. I wish you good luck in managing your child's allergy and
therefore preventing it from progressing. One thing I have learned
the hard way, is keep asking, never take for granted that those
around you and your son have gotten the message. Keep it fresh in
their minds because you are at the mercy of others. Natural rubber
is everywhere. Good luck and God Bless -Kate

-- In LANTERN@yahoogroups.com, "mom2fivekidz" <sleepyrose@h...> wrote:
> Hi, im a mom to five kids, one of whom is now formally diagnosed
with
> a latex allergy. Im starting from sqare one with no real knowledge
of
> this and how to go about removing it form our lives to the best of
my
> ability. Can someone help me out and direct me in my quest. I have
no
> one whom i cn bounce questions off of or share info with. Where does
> one start with all of this...any info,tricks of the trade or ideas
> youa re willing to share would be gratefully welcomed. Tahnk you for
> letting me join and I look forward to makeing new friends and
learrning.
> Rosemarie