Greeting All,

I am forwarding this message from a fellow librarian familiar with Latex
Allergens.  She had been a nurse for 22 years and was forced to find a new
career due to latex allergy.  So she became a librarian.  I regret, I do not
recall who first posted the question, but I hope this helps ...

Michele Matucheski, MLS
Clark Family Library
Oshkosh WI

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mary Fracchia [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2000 3:13 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Latex in Libraries
>
> Please let the MEDLIB listserv know that there is really nothing special
> existing in med libraries that contain latex or rubber, except the
> obvious,
> such as rubber bands, envelop adhesives, erasers -- you know, the typical
> office supplies.  However, airborne latex particles in hospital libraries
> could very well be in the ventilation system, even though the institution
> may have gone to low- or no-latex gloves, syringes, etc.  Cleaning the
> vents
> and ducts throughout the entire hospital would be advised, but expensive.
>
> Perhaps putting HEPA filters over both intake and output vents would be an
>
> option.  Repair and archival tapes and glues we librarians and
> preservationists like to use are very likely to have latex components.
> Adhesives in journal and book bindings are also likely sources of latex in
>
> libraries. Best to check with the manufacturer/book
> binder/publisher/whatever.
>