WHEREAS, people with latex allergies face a constant threat to their lives from exposure to natural rubber latex allergens that can elicit reactions by touching a product containing natural rubber latex, breathing airborne latex protein particles, or digesting food prepared using latex gloves; and

WHEREAS, a latex allergy reaction can happen at any age and may worsen at any age with unique reactions from a mild rash to impaired breathing and anaphylaxis, which is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of latex allergies has increased due to widespread exposure to products containing latex; and

WHEREAS, up to 6 percent of people in the United States are estimated to have latex allergies, including up to 17 percent of health care and food service workers, 11 percent of the elderly, and up to 68 percent of the spina bifida community; and

WHEREAS, people with a latex allergy may also experience allergic symptoms when eating certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including foods like bananas, avocados, kiwis, tomatoes, carrots, and chestnuts; and

WHEREAS, natural rubber latex is found in over 40,000 products, including, but not limited to, balloons, gloves, toys, school and office supplies, sports equipment, and medical devices, resulting in a daily struggle for people with latex allergy to balance life and work with staying safe and healthy; and

WHEREAS, a latex balloon can contain up to 900 times more latex proteins than a latex glove and these proteins become airborne from the powder in and on the balloon; and

WHEREAS, Latex Allergy Awareness Week creates an opportunity to raise awareness of latex allergies through education and provide support to individuals who have been diagnosed with a latex allergy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 1-7, 2023, as LATEX ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.