Winter 1997 Edition
- Dr. Doi's Talking Story
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has identified latex allergy as a major occupational health problem, and OSHA rates it number nine on it's priority list of hazards. Latex allergies also pose a threat to patients and may cause severe patient reactions, such as anaphylaxis ( a reaction which can sometimes cause death). Because latex antigens are water soluble, contact between latex and moist skin or oral tissue can lead to significant allergic responses. Every time a glove is removed, resulting latex-laden airborne particles create a respiratory risk for workers and patients. We feel we have taken the right steps by removing the major latex contaminators from the office (i.e. gloves, and rubber dams) and substituting latex free products in their place. As we write this, we feel we are in the top 5% of the offices committed to creating a latex free dental office.
Comfort
in any doctor's office can be hard to come by.
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