THIRD READING

Bill No: SR 82

Author: Huff (R)

Introduced: 6/30/16

Vote: Majority

SUBJECT: Latex Allergy Awareness Week

SOURCE: American Latex Allergy Association

DIGEST:

This resolution proclaims the week of October 2, 12016, through October 8, 2016, as Latex Allergy Awareness Week.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

Latex allergy patients face a constant threat to their lives from exposure to rubber latex allergens; reactions can be elicited by touching a product containing natural rubber latex, breathing airborne latex proteins, or digesting food prepared using latex gloves.
Up to 6 percent of people in the United States are estimated to have latex allergies, including up to 17 percent of health care and food service workers, 11 percent of elderly, and up to 68 percent of children with spina bifida. Exposure to natural rubber latex results in up to 10 deaths per year in the community of latex allergy patients and is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in the operating room.
There is no cure for a latex allergy, and every exposure increases the sensitivity and severity of the patient’s condition, with distress and rebound reactions for days after exposure. Latex allergies can only be prevented by avoiding all latex-related products, which can be found at homes, child care centers, stores, schools, workplaces, and health care environments, among other places.
Natural rubber is found in over 40,000 products, including, but not limited to, hair accessories, toys, balloons, school and office supplies, sports equipment, and medical devices, resulting in a daily struggle for latex allergy patients to balance life and work with staying safe and healthy.
The American Latex Allergy Association creates awareness of latex allergies through education and provides support to individuals who have been diagnosed with a latex allergy.

This resolution proclaims the week of October 2, 12016, through October 8, 2016, as Latex Allergy Awareness Week, and encourages all Californians to be informed about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of latex allergies.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/3/16)

American Latex Allergy Association (source)

California Society of Allergy Asthma and Immunology

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/3/16)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The American Latex Allergy Association states in support:

There are at least 3 million Americans with an allergy to latex. Latex allergy is common among food service workers, healthcare workers, spina bifida patients and individuals who have had repeated medical procedures where medical devices containing natural rubber latex are used. Latex Allergy reactions can be mild to life-threatening including hives, swelling, redness, shortness of breath, respiratory symptoms and anaphylactic shock.

There is no cure for Latex Allergy only Avoidance, so Awareness and Education and developing latex-allergy safe policies are essential to protect and improve the health of people diagnosed with a latex allergy.

Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520

8/3/16 18:21:29

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SR 82

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