Rapid Responses to:
|
|
Rapid Responses: Rapid Responses published:
-
![[Read Rapid Response]](/icons/misc/sectionDOWN.gif)
Dr Koop and Glove Danger
- Aleks Kinay (6 November 1999)
-
Re: Dr Koop and Glove Danger
- Lisa Kamenides (6 November 1999)
-
Dr. Koop Betrayed People With Latex Allergy
- Rochelle D Spiker (8 November 1999)
-
LATEX GLOVES vs. Dr. KOOP
- Sherry Ann Miller (9 November 1999)
-
Re: Dr. Koop Betrayed People With Latex Allergy
- Jo-Ann Sprouse (9 November 1999)
-
Re: Dr Koop and Glove Danger
- Lisa Meade (10 November 1999)
-
Dr Koop and latex gloves
- E M T O''Nan (12 November 1999)
-
Dr. Koop and Glove Danger
- Kathy Burden (12 November 1999)
-
Koop Knew
- Ballew Kinnaman (12 November 1999)
-
Koop tekes tha money
- Debra Adkins (12 November 1999)
-
How dare you Dr. Koop
- Lorraine Eivazi (12 November 1999)
-
False Testimony by Dr. Koop, Liable or Not?
- Daniel Linam (27 November 1999)
|
|
|||
|
Aleks Kinay
Send response to journal:
|
Dr Koop may have called Linda Rosenstock, the director of the Institute in 1997 to pour scorn on the warning that powdered latex gloves could cause serious allergic reactions but the NIOSH Alert (1) went out regardless. The bulletin suggested that health workers use nonlatex gloves for activities not involving infectious materials and that if they chose latex gloves for handling infectious materials, they use "the powder-free kind with reduced protein content." The Food and Drug Administration (2) , the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and a number of scientists, including members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (3), have all taken the same basic position. Support in the UK comes in the form of the Medical Devices Agency Safety Notice 1998 and the Health Service Circular Sept 1999 (4) and the Royal College of Nursing press release (May 1999) (5). Latex allergy is a type I IgE mediated allergy to latex proteins in latex containing devices, principally latex gloves. Since Universal Precautions to protect against transmissible diseases, eg AIDs/hepatitis in the early 80’s, the demand for latex gloves has led to an increase in cheap disposable gloves with high protein content. The powder in gloves acts as a vehicle for latex glove proteins to become airborne during donning. This presents a hazard to healthcare workers and patients alike and may be an agent for sensitising non-allergic individuals. Symptoms from urticaria, hay fever type symptoms, asthma, anaphylaxis and death have been reported due to Latex Allergy. Currently, avoidance of latex is the only way of managing this condition safely. With an estimated figure of up to 17% of healthcare workers at risk of suffering reactions to latex, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology calls it “a serious, increasingly widespread, but largely unrecognized health care problem”. Use of low-protein, powder-free gloves reduces the risk of sensitisation and reaction. Raising awareness amongst users of latex medical gloves is key to appropriate glove selection and stopping chronic ill health amongst health care workers, increased litigation and personal injury payment, retraining costs and disability due to latex allergy as well as reducing risk to patients. Aleks Kinay – medical rep (POMs, not gloves) with type 1 Latex allergy, recently diagnosed - reacting to glove powder in GP surgeries and hospitals, despite antihistamine prophylaxis. 1: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety) ALERT Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex in the Workplace June 1997DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135 : www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexalt.html 3: ACAAI (American College of Asthma, Allergy and immunology) Statement Concerning the Use of Powdered and Non-powdered Natural Rubber Latex Gloves: http://allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/joint.html 4: Latex medical gloves and powdered latex medical gloves: reducing the risk of allergic reaction to latex and powdered medical gloves Health Service Circular 1999/186 Department of Health, London Sep 10 1999 http://tap.ccta.gov.uk/doh/coin4.nsf/430f6deb767cef908025645700493511/628c82ffb9f12319002567e80033a2c5/$FILE/186HSC.PDF 5: NURSES EXPOSED TO LATEX GLOVE ALLERGY RCN ACTS TO REDUCE RISK [Embargo: 21/05/99] RCN press release: http://193.128.6.43/rcn/press/FMPro?-db=press&-format=record%5fdetail.htm&-lay=layout%20%231&-sortfield=embargo&-op=gte&embargo=05%2f1999&-op=cn&title=latex&-max=5&-recid=84&-find= |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Lisa Kamenides, RN Disabled w/ LA (Latex Allergy)
Send response to journal:
|
What an unintelligent statement from Dr. Koop. He could not be any further from the truth. I was diagnosed in 1991 and have always been told by Allergists, who are educated, about the seriuosness of this allergy and the need for strict avoidance. This is a growing allergy and steps need to be taken to prevent future Dx. If Dr. Koop could live just 1 day in the life of a latex allergy.....That is my wish! |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Rochelle D Spiker, Executive Director Potomac Latex Allergy Association
Send response to journal:
|
Thank you for mention of the controversy regarding the behavior of former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop on the new A.M.A. website. I was present in person at the House of Representatives Hearing in March this year when Dr. Koop's videotaped testimony regarding a sorely needed Technical Information Bulletin on latex gloves was aired. Dr. Koop was the only panel expert for the House Committee that was allowed to testify via videotape. He was introduced by the moderator of the meeting with reverential respect. Dr. Koop proceeded to betray every person with latex allergy by characterizing concerns about the safety of powdered latex gloves as "bordering on hysteria" and recommending that this Bulletin not be released. He did not state that he had recieved over a half million dollars in 1997 from the WRP Corporation, makers of powdered latex gloves. After hearing Dr. Koop's testimony, I felt betrayed because as an educated mental health care worker with a type I latex allergy I knew his words were false. Congressional leaders not as informed as myself did not know otherwise, and did not find out the truth from this trusted "icon". Despite Dr. Koop's efforts, the Bulletin was released, and can be accessed on the Internet at www.osha- slc.gov/html/hotfoias/tib/TIB19990412.html (See also, www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/latexallergy/index.html.) It serves as a model of rational and practical advice regarding latex gloves. After reading it, it is difficult to understand why anyone would attempt to block it's release and distribution-unless they had a financial interest in powdered latex gloves. Dr. Koop has lost the faith and trust of everyone with latex allergy and their loved ones. His words have been very damaging to our struggle for basic patient rights such as safe and accessible health care. He owes those of us with latex allergy a public apology, and furthermore should make reparation for his actions by truthfully educating the public about latex allergy, a growing, major public health concern. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Sherry Ann Miller, medically retired
Send response to journal:
|
6 Nov 1999 Consumers, State Health Workers, Restaurant Owners, Grocers, Cafeteria Managers U.S. and State Government Agencies, USDA and FDA To Whom It May Concern: I am only one of at least 200 people in my State who has Natural Rubber Latex Allergy (NRLA). I disagree with Dr. KOOP, and I ask that someone come forward to stop the madness where Natural Rubber Latex is concerned. Natural Rubber Latex has severely restricted my lifestyle and changed the way I live to the point where I am almost reclusive. Natural Rubber Latex is found in too many places where it should not be found. I believe that Natural Rubber Latex, while being a great product for people not allergic to it, is fast becoming one of the most dangerous nightmares of this century. If action is not taken soon, I feel that many more people will suffer as I do. Since the medical profession is receiving some assistance for regulating the packaging of latex products, and have been made aware of the dangers involved with latex use, it is now time to focus on another area of grave concern. I am hoping to help the powers that be come to this stark realization: FOOD, when handled by someone wearing Natural Rubber Latex (NRL), may eventually kill me and others like me, unless someone stops the madness. Estimates indicate that perhaps as much as 10% of medical professionals have NRLA. If each state has two thousand medical professionals, then each state has close to 200 persons who have developed Natural Rubber Latex Allergy. To that figure, add the number of restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias, meat and food processing plant workers who wear NRL gloves when they prepare and process food. Of this group, estimates indicate that up to 3% will also develop NRLA when they wear latex gloves while at work. When someone has NRLA, there are no warning labels on food. The USDA doesn't require beef to be stamped "Handled With Latex." The FDA doesn't require "Latex Contaminated" on packaged foods. Most State Agencies require that food in restaurants and grocers be handled with barriers or gloves. Yet I've seen no signs in restaurants and grocers that say, "Warning: Latex Gloves Used in This Establishment." My Point: Someone out there should stop the madness. It's time to rewrite FDA and State regulations to read that "nonlatex gloves or barriers should be used by food handlers." I've written to 60 restaurants in my area, asking that they stop wearing latex gloves when handling food. I've personally spoken with numerous managers, asking that they not use latex gloves in their grocery stores and restaurants. I received ONE restaurant response saying they switched from latex to nonlatex a year ago, and two grocers said they'd "try to keep that in mind." I've written to my State Health Department, who referred me to another state agency, who referred me to another state agency, who referred me to the FDA and USDA, who referred me to the various departments within the FDA who referred me back to my State agencies. I have been told NRLA is a consumer responsibility, like those consumers who are allergic to peanuts and other foods. But NONE of the ingredient lists on food labels read: "Processed with latex products," or "Made on equipment shared by latex products." Currently, there is NO warning for a NRLA victim to know what foods have been contaminated with latex. I dare you to find a piece of fish that has NOT been handled with NRL. No cheating by fishing for it yourself. . . . While I agree that grocers and food handlers should wear a protective barrier, I don't agree that latex should be one of their "choices." PLEASE ban the use of Natural Rubber Latex for ALL food handlers. Apparently NIOSH agrees with me: "Use nonlatex gloves for activities that are not likely to involve contact with infectious materials (i.e., food preparation, routine housekeeping, maintenance, etc.)." See DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135, page one, item one. Why can't State Government Agencies, the USDA and the FDA agree also? How many more people will have an NRLA emergency caused by food prepared with latex gloves before the powers that be take responsibility for not controlling this dangerous situation sooner? Personally, I've had enough anaphylaxis to last ten life times. Finding foods "safe for me" is almost impossible due to latex contamination, especially meats (Did you find a latex free piece of fish yet?). We, who already have NRLA, must be "reasonably accommodated"as mandated by the ADA, before someone else with NRLA faces an untimely death. Statistics have proven that latex allergy does not go away, does not get better, and does get worse with each exposure. Symptoms progressively include (but are not limited to) itching, rash, hives, angioedema, swelling, anaphylaxis, coma and death. This being true, why are so many US and State Governments "passing the buck?" NRLA is a terrible, debilitating illness, caused mainly by failure to regulate NRL use, and perpetuated by that same failure. Remember, it only takes the insertion of one little word in your job descriptions, manuals and regulatory documents to stop the madness and save someone's life. That word is NONLATEX. . . . Respectfully, SAM "Someone Against the Madness"
1540 No. Mountain Road, North Ogden, UT 84404 801-782-5079 ShooseyQ@juno.com
P.S. I did not get NRLA as a result of my profession, rather as a result of medical and surgical care provided for me. And no, I have never had Spina Bifida, nor do I belong in the "statistical range of probability" for NRLA development. In other words, if I got it, so can you. . . . |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Jo-Ann Sprouse unemployed
Send response to journal:
|
I cannot believe that I have to place unemployed in the employment box but it is true. After graduating as an RN in 1962 and working in many aspects of nursing I must write unemployed since Oct 1997 due to severe Latex allergy. I had a Type I reaction at the dentist after having signs of hives on my hands and runny nose but never being warned by anyone what could happen. I have just begun to accept my fate, but I cannot believe that Dr. Koop would try to intervene in the education of the future. Our health care professionals working or just graduating need to be informed, yes and even the physicians, so that they too can prevent this happening to them through careful avoidance. To be informed of alternatives, not to hide the facts for profit and effect so many lives. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Lisa Meade, Physician Assistant private practice
Send response to journal:
|
As a practicing medical professional for 12 years and a knowingly latex allergic patient for over 2 years, I read Dr. Koops opinion regarding latex gloves with dismay. I and every other latex allergic person out there know we are not "hysterical", but understand fully the uncontrollable fear and emotion associated with our disability. I feel this everyday when I enter my toddlers preschool that uses powdered latex gloves to change diapers and refuses to change to non-powdered; when I eat in a restaurant, and I am unsure if they use latex gloves in food preparation; when in pain because I need a root canal, but am unable to find a dentist knowledgeable in latex allergy or willing to make the accommodations necessary to perform the procedure on me. I urge all medical professionals, including Dr. Koop to become aware and proactive in ending the continued sensitization of individuals. Only then can those that are affected hope for an improved quality of life. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
E M T O''Nan
Send response to journal:
|
I think it is wonderful that at last the truth emerges regarding the fees for hire accepted by the overly revered C.E. Koop. I simply hope that the medical profession will not just recognize their own injuries and sensitivities to rubber gloves when the same disinformation campaign has taken place to cover-up and deceive the public regarding multiple chemical sensitivities or MCS. A more appropriate name for this group of problems is probably Toxicant-induced Loss of Tolerance. The honorable medical establishment needs to recognize this disorder and work to expose those who seek to avoid responsibility or sell their expertise to the corporate poison pushers. If the medical community can grasp that rubber gloves can cause sensitivities and even death...they should be capable of understanding that many other toxic substances can also cause sensitivities and death. My competing interest is that I have sustained pesticide exposures in my home that have resulted a rare inoperable brainstem tumor, chemical sensitivities in myself and child, diabetes, thyroid dysf., auto immune activitation, chronic fatigue, sleep problems.... Sincerely, E.M.T. O'Nan |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Kathy Burden, Retired due to LA
Send response to journal:
|
After practicing as a Registered Dental Hygienist for 24 years, my family and I are well aware of the impact powdered latex gloves can have on one's health. Dr. Koop referred to our concerns about their safety as "bordering on hysteria". Since August 1997, I have been trying to get a diagnosis. I have been to my family practitioner, an orthopedist, a rheumatologist, several dermatologist, several allergists, several cardiologists, numerous dentists, numerous periodontists and two oral surgeons. In January 1998, after attending a CE course (continuing education)on allergy symptoms, I suspected latex allergy. My symptoms worsened and I was forced to leave the dental field in May 1998. (My employer didn't understand that my co- workers' continuing use of powdered latex gloves was making me sicker.) I retrained and started a new career in September 1998, Clinical Research Analyst / Regulatory Affairs (an office-type job). I developed chest pains on the first day of work. By the third day, I was in the cardiac unit throwing 2 PVCs at a time. After extensive heart tests and trying various medications, it was concluded that it was probably a mild heart arrhythmia exacerbated by latex. In February 1999, my symptoms were still not under control and I left my new career amd began my search for a positive diagnosis. With the medical community relying on the RAST test, I have had a very difficult time since I am considered a false negative reactor. My lungs have shut down twice and I must be very careful and control my environment as much as possible. My family and I have lost so much! I have lost two careers: the freedom to go to school functions with my children; the freedom to eat in a restaurant; the freedom to attend any festive occasion for fear there might be balloons; the ability to grocery shop for my family; the freedom to seek medical treatment without the risk of being further exposed to latex; and the list goes on and on. Dr. Koop's lack of commitment to public education regarding latex allergy has seriously handicapped the medical community. Many of us are sick and continuing to get worse. Our children are being diagnosed with latex allergy from years of exposure to our latex-laden hugs and kisses as we arrived home from work. EVERYONE is at risk! We MUST act today to protect our loved ones and ourselves. The medical community must band together to EDUCATE and PROTECT and STOP the continued use of NRL (Natural Rubber Latex) before it's too late! Dr. Koop had an opportunity to stop this monster in its tracks, and he failed! If it is not brought under control soon, the number of deaths is going to skyrocket! WE ARE AN EDUCATED SOCIETY AND WE MUST ACT NOW TO CORRECT THIS WRONG! |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Ballew Kinnaman, LISTSERV Owner - Natural Rubber Latex Allergy Immune.Com
Send response to journal:
|
Thanks to BMJ for reporting on this deplorable state of affairs. Koop opposed BOTH the USA FDA NIOSH Alert and the later DOL OSHA Technical Bulletin. Yet, in neither case did he have the courage to do so in writing, nor with proper disclosure of his possible conflicts of interest. By "testifying" before the USA Congress in a videotape, Koop refused to answer questions about testimony he later admitted was "mis-informed." Also by "appearing" by videotape, Koop avoided confronting those he betrayed - the natural rubber latex allergic individuals who attended the "surprise" hearing at some risk to their own health. By neglecting proper disclosure, Koop indicated either that he knew he had something to hide (the common supposition), or that his view of himself is so distorted that he believes he is above ordinary human frailty (also not too flattering). Therefore, my understanding remains that the "former" man Koop is cowardly, despicable and/or pitiful, and now US$47 million rich. As the latex allergic must daily remind each other, "keep safe." Pax,Ballew Kinnaman Discussion list owner: Allergy - Arthritis - PCHealth - Rubber - Thyroid Rubber LISTSERV Discussion Group http://www.Immune.Com/rubber/index.html ____________________________________________________________ If a question isn't answered on the Rubber Room discussion of natural Rubber latex allergy, check the Rubber Archives: http://www.Immune.Com/rubber/index.htmland ask again! Write to NIOSH Publications Mail Stop C-13 4676 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati OH 45226-1998 or call 1-800-356-4674, ask for up to 100 copies of DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-135 1 To send e-mail to 440 people: (Rubber@listserv.tamu.edu) 2 Adjust your own Rubber account online 24 - 7 Rubber http://www.Immune.Com/rubber/index.html 3 Our list manager is Ballew Kinnaman (kinnaman@Immune.Com) ____________________________________________________________ |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Debra Adkins, Editor Latex Allergy News
Send response to journal:
|
Dr Koop made everyone aware of the dangers of AIDEs and Hepatitis, When he retired he should have stayed retired. Trying to get anyone interesed in the epidemic caused by latex allergy has been very difficult, and the latex glove manufacturers have fought very hard, pretending that there is no such thing as Latex Allergy. Every day I talk to people that now believe. I am glad that there has been so much publicity on Dr. Koop's betrayal of his fellow heath care workers, the fight is only beginning, and the more people that about latex allergy the better |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Lorraine Eivazi, Disabled Medical Assist. due to LA unemployed
Send response to journal:
|
What arrogance on your part Dr. Koop......I have been battling LA since 1998 lost a lucrative 35 year career have been kept housebound by this outrageous allergy to latex and u have the audacity to say that it not disabling...nonsense....I and many others like me have been virtual prisoners in our homes due this allergy...can't attend family functions....or visit relatives when they are confined to hospitals.....I can't believe what you are saying...maybe you should explore this allergy further before u make anymore ridiculous comments on it..I have had 5 anaphylactic reactions...have to take medication daily and still have outbreaks with even secondary contact to all latex products....so review the latex issue...IT IS REAL...IT DOES EXIST....and more and more adults and children are becoming afflicted with it...L. Eivazi (disabled thanks to the non-existant Latex Allergy) |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Daniel Linam, Staff Nurse Department of Veterans Affairs
Send response to journal:
|
If the videotaped testimony to the Committee was false, should Dr. Koop be held liable for making false and misleading statements to a governing body.... or is his testimony immune from prosecution? Dr. Koop's position and the fact that his tesimony was allowed, is a disgrace to our system of government. Many of his comments were his own bias and never would have been allowed in a Court proceeding. Therefore, why would a governmental Committee allow such unfounded comments? |
|||