[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 5, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H9378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LATEX ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I use this occasion to recognize 
this week as Latex Allergy Awareness Week, October 4 through 10, 1999, 
and to talk about an important health issue, an issue which directly 
affects a constituent of mine, 9-year-old Jimmy Clark of River Forest, 
Illinois, whose parents have become leading crusaders to make the 
public aware of this problem.
  Mr. Speaker, Jimmy Clark lives with an ailment that is virtually 
unrecognized by most Americans and the medical community. Jimmy is 
latex sensitive. Yes, Jimmy is latex sensitive. He is at risk for 
serious and potentially fatal allergic reactions when exposed to 
products made from natural latex.
  It is critical that we become fully aware and acknowledge the broad 
and problematic scope of this issue which the American Academy of 
Dermatology has called the next major health concern of the decade.
  Something as simple as eating lunch in his school's cafeteria could 
be fatal to Jimmy, since latex gloves are commonly used in the food 
service industries. Jimmy and others like him are allergic to thousands 
of items ranging from the balloons at his best friend's birthday party 
to the examining gloves in an ambulance or at a doctor's office.
  It is heartbreaking to know that for thousands of American citizens 
like Jimmy, that exposure to even these seemingly harmless items could 
cause him to die. He cannot even receive needed medical treatment or 
enjoy eating lunch at school without fear of exposure to potentially 
deadly latex particles.
  Reactions to exposure include immediate allergic reactions from skin 
contact resulting in itching and hives. Reactions to the airborne latex 
particles include inflammation of the eyes, shortness of breath, 
asthma, dizziness, and rapid heart rate.
  The most severe cases can result in severe blood pressure drop and 
loss of consciousness. Latex allergy develops most commonly in people 
who have frequent or intimate exposure to it. At high risk are those 
who have had frequent surgical procedures, particularly in infancy and 
workers with occupational exposure, especially to latex gloves. A 
history of allergies or hay fever also may be a significant risk 
factor.
  Some studies suggest that some individuals who have had dermatitis or 
rash and wear latex gloves may be at greater risk. Although the 
American public knows little about latex allergy, the last 5 years have 
shown increasing evidence that latex allergy has become a major 
occupational health problem which has become epidemic in scope among 
highly exposed health care workers and among others with significant 
occupational exposure. This is largely because the use of latex rubber 
has increased, especially in medical devices, because latex is used as 
a disease-prevention barrier.
  However, Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting who or what is at fault. 
Nor am I suggesting that latex is not an effective instrument in 
protecting humans from life-threatening diseases. I am suggesting that 
we need to increase research in this area and find ways to spare the 
citizens of this country from unnecessarily developing latex 
sensitivity.
  It is my belief, Mr. Speaker, that an increased awareness will go a 
long ways towards helping find a solution to this problem.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that our researchers work cooperatively 
to achieve the right solution, a solution not influenced or marred by 
special interests from different sides of the spectrum, but a solution 
developed for those most affected by the disease.
  Latex allergy organizations and support groups across this Nation 
have successfully established a State Latex Allergy Awareness Week in 
several States. I believe once this awareness of this disease 
increases, our Nation will see with sincere satisfaction the positive 
results from research and care for those who suffer from its effects. 
Hopefully, next year as this same time approaches, both Houses will see 
fit to declare this week National Latex Allergy Awareness Week.
  Mr. Speaker, I close by thanking Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Jimmy for 
stepping up to the plate to help make Americans more aware of a health 
problem and a societal need. They embody the real spirit of democracy: 
if not I, then who? If not then, when? I thank both Jimmy and his 
parents and say to them that River Forest as well as all of America are 
proud of them.

                          ____________________