§ 23-73-1 - Findings.
SECTION 23-73-1
§ 23-73-1 Findings. – (a) The legislature finds that latex allergies are increasingly becoming aproblem for people who are exposed to disposable nonsterile and sterile latexgloves, such as health care workers, patients, food service workers,manufacturers, hair dressers, child care workers, and children.
(b) There are three (3) categories of latex allergies:
(1) Irritant dermatitis;
(2) Allergic contact dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity);and
(3) Immediate hypersensitivity latex allergy.
(c) Reaction to latex may manifest through skin rashes,hives, itching, swollen skin, swollen lips and tongue, shortness of breath,dizziness, fainting, eyes or sinus symptoms, asthma and difficulty breathing,coughing spells, wheezing, and shock.
(d) In 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health issued an alert concerning the danger of exposure to latex productsand requested assistance preventing allergic reactions to natural rubber latexamong workers who use gloves and other products containing latex.
(e) On April 12, 1999, the Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration, United States Department of Labor, issued the TechnicalBulletin concerning the potential harm to workers from natural rubber latexgloves and other natural rubber products, such as gloves, airway masks,medication vial caps, anesthesia bags, catheters, intravenous supplies, dentaldams, balloons, and other products.
(f) Latex gloves are the major contributor for latexallergies.
(g) The United States Food and Drug Administration requiresmedical devices containing latex to carry a warning about potential allergicreaction.
(h) In 1995, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, andImmunology concluded that the single greatest product causing adverse reactionto latex rubber are latex gloves.
(i) The National Institute of Safety and Health concludedthat latex allergies can be prevented if employers establish policies thatprotect workers and the public from unnecessary latex exposure.