The Latex Allergy Support Group (LASG) was formed in 1996 by a group of health professionals and people affected by latex allergy who were concerned about the lack of both general and medical awareness of this allergy. The Group registered as a charity in 1998.

We are a national voluntary-run organisation, which offers support to individuals affected by Latex Allergy and also to employers/healthcare providers who are looking to create latex-safe environments for both patients and staff.

The aims of the Group are:

• To raise awareness of latex allergy amongst the general public and healthcare workers
• To provide a national support network for those affected by the allergy
• To push for the investigation into the increased incidences of the allergy, identification of "at risk" groups and the prevention of unnecessary contact with known sensitising agents>/li>

What are the issues?
Latex allergy is a potentially life-threatening condition, caused by repeated (and often unnecessary) exposure to latex. There has been an explosion in the number of sensitised cases over the past twenty years, with prevalence reaching epidemic proportions in certain at-risk populations (eg health care workers 8-17%). Around 1-6% of the UK population are at risk of allergic reactions to latex.

Latex is now one of the top five and fastest growing causes of occupational asthma, and latex gloves are the chief cause of occupational latex allergy. It has been estimated that latex allergy is costing employers, mostly the NHS, over £120 million of pounds a year (TUC press release, June 2002 http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-5223-f0.cfm )

How are we helping to resolve these issues?
The LASG has played a pivotal role in the production of the Health and Safety Executive-led web based latex educational toolkit, which aims to assist healthcare providers in developing and implementing policies on latex and securing latex-safe environments for both patient and worker.
The toolkit is scheduled to be launched by the HSE during the second week of October and will appear on the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk).

What do you do if you suspect you are reacting to natural rubber latex?
If you suspect that you are reacting to latex products such as balloons, gloves or condoms, arrange to see your family doctor, who will decide if referral to a dermatologist or immunologist is required for accurate diagnosis and advice.

What is the best way to manage latex allergy?
Strict avoidance of products that contain latex is the best way to manage this allergy.

How can we help allergic individuals?
Once diagnosed as having latex allergy, feelings of panic, isolation and depression are emotions which many sufferers' experience. In order to address this, the group opened its National Help-line number in 1998, a service run by members on a voluntary basis.

The implications of having this allergy are often not apparent until sufficient information and knowledge has been acquired. Latex is not confined to the healthcare setting, but can affect all aspects of life from dining out and sporting activities to parties and shopping. Finding out what does and does not contain latex can be a major problem for allergic individuals, as labelled is often poor or non-existent.

The LASG provides a series of fact-sheets in our new members pack, a quarterly edition of Bouncing Back (members' newsletter), a list of items that may contain latex, and offer support via our help line number. Membership of the LASG is £10 per annum.

How do I contact LASG?
LASG Helpline No: 07071 225838 (7pm - 10pm weekdays)
Postal address: PO Box 27, Filey, YO14 9YH

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