Posted by: thepinetree on 09/25/2014 02:34 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 09/26/2014 06:47 AM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
:
October 5 - 11 Proclaimed Latex Allergy Awareness Week In Calaveras County
San Andreas,CA...This past Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors Meeting, Peggy Rourke Nichols of Arnold was honored for her her many years of hard work in raising awareness of those (including her) that are affected by Latex Allergies. Peggy has been tireless in her work in helping local agencies put effective plans in place and being aware of best practices in dealing with those who have Latex sensitivity. We are so happy for you Peg! The complete proclamation is enclosed....
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF
OCTOBER 5 THROUGH 11, 2014 AS
LATEX ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK IN CALAVERAS COUNTY.
WHEREAS, Latex Allergy is a progressive disease with symptoms ranging from skin irritation to life
threatening anaphylaxis, affecting over 19 million people; and
WHEREAS, Latex Allergy patients face a constant threat from anaphylaxis caused by skin contact,
foodborne, airborne and intravenous exposure to the natural rubber latex allergens from sources
such as balloon displays in public and retail spaces, contamination of air and food from latex gloves,
undisclosed dry natural rubber stoppers for injection vials, and prepared injections (i.e. flu vaccines
and insulin); and
WHEREAS, Latex Allergy patients are often reluctant to seek emergency care because EMT teams,
emergency departments, primary care doctors, radiologists and labs still use latex gloves making it
dangerous and deadly to allow them to provide treatment to the allergic and anaphylactic patient; and
WHEREAS, patients daily face over 40 thousand products daily made with natural rubber latex, from
dog toys to printer inks to airbags, most of which are not required to disclose their latex content; and
WHEREAS, Federal law regarding garment manufacturing allows up to 5% of the thread and fabric
content to be undisclosed on the label, nondisclosure of rubberized thread and natural rubber elastic
so that the latex allergic patient must special order latex free clothing at considerable cost; and
WHEREAS, Latex Allergy results in a growing number of Worker’s Compensation claims from
workplace exposure to natural rubber latex as many work environments pose an exposure risk from
latex gloves, office products, and other latex/rubber supplies; and
WHEREAS, the Public Health Department, Ebbetts Pass Fire District and Mark Twain Medical
Center have taken the lead in creating latex safe environments, as well as many local businesses
working to create awareness and change, resulting in Calaveras County serving as an example of a
community coming together for a common cause that will benefit many, in years to come.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the national organization American Latex Allergy Awareness
celebrates its 21st anniversary, spreading knowledge, providing resources and helping allergic
patients work with their communities to use safe non-latex alternatives.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Supervisors proclaims October 5 - 11, 2014 as Latex
Allergy Awareness Week in Calaveras County, continuing to stand out as one of the top county
entities that have made changes so others may live here safely, with less concern about accidental
exposure to such a prevalent allergen.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Calaveras, State of
California, this 23rd day of September, 2014.
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