Allergic reactions
Rodger Whitlock (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