Latex Balloon Allergy

by Kerrie
(New Jersey)

We are in the process of getting our ideas ready for an 8th grade dance... along with all the other decorations we have incorporated balloons.

There is now a mom who has said she is allergic to latex. She is concerned that if a balloon should pop at the dance her son could get the latex on his clothes and then come home and she would be affected.

Is this possible, that latex could stay on clothes and then affect a person who is allergic to latex? She was at a meeting the other night where balloons were in the room and actually blown up. The next day she said she felt her throat closing up, but she did not leave the meeting.

How to Deal with Latex Allergies: Tips for Your School Event

Hi Kerrie,

Latex allergies happen when someone's body overreacts to the proteins found in natural rubber latex. For people with this allergy, their immune system treats these proteins as harmful invaders and triggers an allergic response.

The main issue with latex balloons is that when they're inflated, handled, or popped, they can release tiny latex particles into the air. These particles contain the proteins that can cause allergic reactions.

If someone with a latex allergy breathes in these particles or gets them on their skin or eyes, it could potentially trigger a reaction. Reactions can range from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening symptoms.

Now, about the dance and the mom's concerns – it's possible for latex particles to land on clothing and surfaces if balloons have been handled or popped in the room.

However, the risk of her son bringing home enough latex particles on his clothes to cause the mom a significant reaction is generally pretty low, albeit not zero.

The bigger worry is the mom being directly exposed to latex particles at the dance itself. If latex balloons are there and some pop, the particles released into the air could potentially trigger a reaction for her, based on her past experience of throat tightening around inflated latex balloons.

Here are some suggestions:

Avoid latex balloons entirely by using alternative materials like foil or bubble balloons for decorations. That completely eliminates latex exposure risk.

If using latex balloons:

• Make sure the venue is well-ventilated to help disperse latex particles.


• Don't let people intentionally pop or roughly handle the balloons.


• Have a designated "latex-free" area for the mom and others with allergies.


• Have the son change clothes and shower as soon as he gets home to remove any potential latex particles.

The safest option might be for the mom to skip the dance if latex balloons will be used, so she doesn't risk a severe reaction.

The main thing is keeping everyone safe. Open communication with the mom, understanding her specific concerns, and taking appropriate steps to minimize latex exposure will be crucial for an enjoyable, worry-free event.

Let me know if this breakdown makes sense or if you need any clarification!