Incidences of latex allergies are most rampant in hospitals, and among the most at risk are the healthcare personnel due to their frequent and regular contact with rubber latex-containing materials such as gloves, and tubings in medical equipment. A lot of hospitals are taking steps to reduce latex sensitization among their personnel by shifting to non-latex allergies.

The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT, for example takes pride in keeping latex at a very minimum in their facility.

Their first big effort came in the form of powder-free latex gloves. Powder is one of the biggest issues, according to pulmonologist and allergist Dr. Denis Baillargeon of Putnam, because if gloves are stretched, or snapped the powder becomes aerosolized, which is "very dangerous.

If you're visiting a friend or a relative confined at the Backus, forget about bringing latex balloons as a cheer me up. they won't let you into the hospital. Consider getting mylar or other latex-free balloons, then, or something else altogether.