FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Allergy & Asthma Network, the nation’s leading nonprofit focused on patient education and advocacy for those with asthma, allergies, and related conditions, proudly designates October 4–10, 2026, as Latex Allergy Awareness Week. This year’s theme is: “Safer Spaces, Healthier Lives.”

Latex allergy is a unique and often overlooked condition affecting up to 6% of the U.S. population. Exposure can occur through direct contact with latex‑containing products or by breathing in airborne latex particles, especially from balloons. Reactions range from hives and itching to severe breathing problems and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

“Latex allergy is more than a medical condition; it’s an access issue,” said Allergy & Asthma Network CEO, Lynda Mitchell. “When balloons, latex gloves, or even some common school supplies are present, people with latex allergy may be forced to avoid public spaces or miss events. Latex‑safe alternatives are widely available. Awareness and action can make every environment more inclusive.”

Latex Allergy Limits Access, But Solutions Are Within Reach

Latex is found in more than 40,000 products, including balloons, medical gloves, sports equipment, school supplies, and food service items. This can prevent people with latex allergy from:

• Receiving medical or dental care
• Participating in school activities
• Attending social events
• Safely visiting restaurants, gyms, or retail businesses

Allergy & Asthma Network urges hospitals, schools, restaurants, fitness centers, and event venues to adopt latex‑safe practices, such as:

• Replace latex medical gloves with safe, non‑latex options
• Protect patients by covering latex‑containing medical equipment
• Create safer events by avoiding latex balloons
• Provide students with latex‑free school supplies and materials
• Offer latex‑free sports and fitness equipment
• Maintain safe food‑service practices by replacing latex gloves

“Latex‑safe alternatives exist for nearly every product,” Mitchell emphasized. “Small changes can dramatically improve safety and access.”

A Growing Movement Since 1997

Latex Allergy Awareness Week began in 1997 with educational seminars and outreach to allergists and hospitals. Today, interest continues to grow among parents, educators, healthcare workers, restaurant owners, and community leaders seeking to create safer environments.

Each year, Allergy & Asthma Network leads national awareness efforts by distributing educational resources, sharing patient stories, and providing guidance on reducing or eliminating latex exposure.

Free Resources for Patients, Families, and Professionals

During Latex Allergy Awareness Week, Allergy & Asthma Network encourages the public to explore its free educational tools, including:

• A Complete Guide to Latex Allergy
• Latex Allergy: A Practical Guide for Patients and Providers: a comprehensive digital publication covering diagnosis, symptoms, cross reactivity, avoidance strategies, and emergency treatment
• The Latex Allergy Patient Check List
• Advocacy resources to help families request latex‑safe accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public spaces

“With awareness, education, and practical strategies, people with latex allergy can live full, active lives,” Mitchell said. “Our goal is to ensure they can do so safely, everywhere.”

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promoting evidence-based care, and fostering collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jennifer Wilson | 571-395-8909 | jwilson@allergyasthmanetwork.org 

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SOURCE Allergy & Asthma Network