Allergic reactions

Rodger Whitlock totototo@pacificcoast.net
Mon, 26 Jan 2004 13:20:55 PST
On 22 Jan 04 at 21:25, Jane McGary wrote:

> Unlike Roy Sachs, I have no experience with Alstroemeria reactions,
> but I don't get poison oak either! However, I do wear latex gloves
> when handling a lot of Colchicum foliage or bulbs, since these are
> known to be very toxic. Narcissus sap causes a skin reaction in some
> people, I believe.
> 
> One plant that has caused me problems is Helleborus -- I got
> dermatitis from cleaning a lot of seed one year and now wear latex
> gloves for the purpose.

I suggest you wear gloves made of synthetic nitrile rubber instead of 
natural latex. Nitrile rubber gloves can be purchased at nearly any 
auto parts outlet. A box of 100 will last a long time.

Reason: protracted exposure to natural latex can cause sensitivity
to develop. Many medical and dental personnel have developed such a
sensitivity as a result of wearing natural latex gloves in the course 
of their work.

Nitrile rubber is also oil proof and may offer a more effective 
barrier to the irritating compounds found in some bulbs than does 
natural latex.

-- 
Rodger Whitlock
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Maritime Zone 8, a cool Mediterranean climate

on beautiful Vancouver Island


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