latex allergies and WDW parks

[MidgeD79]

On the theme park thread a RN with severe latex allergies posted that WDW is going back to latex balloons. She is concerned about how to deal with it. Some of the responses were unbelievable. I was so disappointed! Any suggesstions for her?

[Michigan]

Hi Midge I couldn't find the post is it still out there?

[SueM in MN]

here's a link to the thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1132387

[rhiannonwales]

"She is concerned about how to deal with it"

Actually this is incorrect.She is trying to organise a letter writing campaign to get Disney to BAN latex balloons.

I would have no problem with the OP asking how to avoid them and cope but she is not.She is asking for everyone to bend over completely backwards for her.I have a disable child myself- so i understand the need to make plans.I dont however ask Disney to change their policies to accomodate me.

[videogal1]

"She is concerned about how to deal with it"

Actually this is incorrect.She is trying to organise a letter writing campaign to get Disney to BAN latex balloons.

I would have no problem with the OP asking how to avoid them and cope but she is not.She is asking for everyone to bend over completely backwards for her.I have a disable child myself- so i understand the need to make plans.I dont however ask Disney to change their policies to accomodate me.

Well, isn't that what the equal access laws are about? With your standard there would be no ramps, curb cuts, braille markers, elevators supplementing the escalators, and on and on. What is relevant to the OP's problem is that it is such a unique problem and such a huge environment to try and control. Disney could ban the balloons but what about the other sources of latex contamination? Is it not just sensible to leave the control of this allergy in the hands of the one having the allergic reaction? It would be crazy to require that a business that deals in outdoor entertainment eradicate all bees from their property because of the few people who are deathly allergic to bee stings, for example. Let them cary an epi-pen, I say. And what of the passengers sharing my flight to Orlando who say they are allergic to dogs? So, I hang Cash out the window?
Nope.
I tell them that there is no case in which the ADA definition of disability has ever been stretched to include allergies. No ADA? No accommodation.
:blush:

[rhiannonwales]

[Well, isn't that what the equal access laws are about? With your standard there would be no ramps, curb cuts, braille markers, elevators supplementing the escalators, and on and on.

Actually there is a difference, in that all the above changes in no way impinge upon other guests use and enjoyment of the park.What she is asking for would.

As for the the other points you made, i agree with you.There is no way to effectively control such a problem in such a large area.

[Selket]

So much for a more sympathetic response on this board I guess :sad2:

I don't know enough about latex allergies to make many comments but I did not realize that some people are allergic to latex like my son is allergic to peanuts - through residue left behind. And also though an airborne reaction. I always thought they had to touch the latex. So that is very interesting.

I am sympathetic to the OP - I can understand that latex can't be controlled everywhere (much like peanuts) but if latex balloons are that serious of a hazard and most likely to cause residue and airborne reactions, then I wouldn't mind having them not sold in places like WDW, or Chuck E Cheese, etc. Certainly not selling balloons wouldn't eliminate all risk but it could make, if this is true, a huge difference for those with that allergy.

I do find myself disappointed in some of the responses. Some people seem incredibly insensitive to having to making the most mild adjustments that could mean so much to someone else. Most allergies mentioned aren't touch or airborne (usually through ingestion of the food - which is more easily avoided). Obviously it would be impossible to eliminate bees - the analogy is not even appropriate! Doing without peanuts on plane for a few hours (or even a day!) or without a balloon here and there - I would GLADLY try to show this kindness to someone in need.

As for folks who don't care and have the "don't limit my access to anything I want at any time"? :confused3

[ducklite]

In all honesty, it would be as easy for her to minimize her risk as it is for someone allergic to various pollens, insects, peanuts, and many other airborne allergens. She would jsut prefer not to, and instead wants to ban latex balloons from the property, which is pretty much impossible as people bring them in from other attractions to their rooms, and not all rooms require passage through a central lobby to reach.

I have a host of allergies, some more serious than others. Some are airborne, others food based, and still more are critter based. I have had endless successful visits to WDW, I just use common sense to avoid my allergens. I don't expect WDW to do anything other than tell me what foods I need to avoid, and provide a non-smoking room when applicable. Otherwise I take responsibility for myself.

Disney restaurants are for the most part volumnous. By the posters admission, latex outdoors isn't much of a problem, but it is if it's near her inside it could be. I suggested some very sensible mitigations, such as making sure restaurants managers and hosts were aware of my situation and seating me at a far end of the room, and keeping anyone with any balloons away from me. I also suggested contacting special services about having the room "special cleaned" before my arrival, and using my own car rather than WDW's transportation.

IMHO there is no way to completely eradicate exposure to latex. What about someone at the next table giving their baby a bottle with a latex nipple? Or someone who uses a latex (I call them) "roundtuit's" to open a jar of baby food? People who have other latex items on their person, be they for medical devices or anything else have just as much right to be there!

Instead of asking for a complete ban, she should instead be asking herself what can be done to minimize her risk--thus taking responsibility for herself. I do'nt ask WDW to remove the trees I'm allergic to. Instead I try to visit when they are less likely to be pollenating. People with peanut allergic kids don't ask for peanuts to be eliminated from the entire 47 mile property. Instead they notify restaurant managers who seat them as far away from others as possible, choose restaurants where there are no or minimal peanut products on the menu, dine early when restaurants are less likely to be crowded, travel during very off-peak times, and keep an epi-pen handy.

Reasonable accomodation is just that. Reasonable. it doesn't mean that anyone has to bend over backwards to accomodate every last need and whim of every person with a disability or medical condition in the world. It means that they need to make reasonable efforts to make their premesis reasonably barrier free (and barrier can more more than a physical barrier to free movement) so that a person with a disability can have a reasonably similar experience to anyone else.

Personally I feel that WDW handles allergies better than any other place I've ever travelled to. They bend over backwards to accomodate. But they shouldn't be expected to completely take responsibility for managing people's allergies. That is an individual responsibility.

As I said in my post on the other thread, if WDW took everything out of their parks and resorts that any given person could be allergic to, what would be left? Air. Water. That's about it.

While I certainly empathize with her, the tone of her post was very much that she expected the world to change because of her, and didn't want to take any active role in safeguarding herself. That tone is probably what put a lot of responders hackels up, and frankly I can't blame them.

Anne

[Schmeck]

Other sources of indoor latex at WDW would include the mousepads on the computers, so checking in could be a problem, and the carpet backing on the rugs, if worn/wet, could cause the latex to break down, making it airborne as well. Also, being near the buses, as the tires are latex as well, and the constant stream of buses at the bus stops could leave a lot of friction-released latex in the air.

Toys in the gift shops (such as koosh balls) could also have latex, and kids could cause cross-contimination by playing with them, then touching something else. Even using a pen handed to you by a cashier (the grippy thing could be latex, or crosscontamination could occur) could cause a reaction.

[Selket]

I don't think the issue is that there are multiple sources of latex so why bother controlling one source? *If* balloons are a *major* source of airborne and contact reactions for latex sensitive people, then it would seem reasonable to make efforts to reduce that particular source. It is not a valid argument to say that just because we cannot eliminate *all* sources of contamination we should not bother trying to eliminate a major source. Especially when the solution can often be so simple.

Just like peanut products - there could be peanut butter on virtually anything my son touches (pens, toys, handle bars, etc) and he would have a reaction. But WDW does a very good job of controlling the most likely sources of peanut cross contamination in their restaurants (using Uncrustables, preparing PB sandwiches elsewhere and pre-wrapping, etc). It helps immensely! It won't stop William from perhaps accidentally touching someone's smudge of peanut butter left on a chair in a restaurant or in a hotel room but that could happen anywhere/anytime and just part of the high cost of living IMHO. We carry epi-pens of course.

I think the issue really hinges on whether latex balloons are a major source of airborne and contact reactions for those with the latex allergy. I've not heard of that personally but most of what I know about allergies are food related. I don't think that any of us have personally lamented the lack of latex balloons at WDW. If something simple can be changed that makes a big difference for someone with serious allergies then I am all for it.

[MidgeD79]

I too am surprised by the respnses on here. ALL zoos across the country ban latex balloons AND drinking straws for the safety of the animals. Do I understand some people that the safety of animals is more important than the safety of people? Maybe if the op staed that latex balloons should be banned because of the risk to animals she would have gotten a more positive response.

[ducklite]

I too am surprised by the respnses on here. ALL zoos across the country ban latex balloons AND drinking straws for the safety of the animals. Do I understand some people that the safety of animals is more important than the safety of people? Maybe if the op staed that latex balloons should be banned because of the risk to animals she would have gotten a more positive response.

The risk to animals is entirely different (and BTW--NOT all zoos across the country ban these items). The thought process is more that people will throw these items into the animal pens and cause a choking hazard.

Again, I think the OP in the other thread wasn't willing to take responsibility for her allergy, and work on mitigating her exposure, instead expected WDW to do it for her.

As I've pointed out, not selling balloons in the parks is a false sense of security as there are so many other sources of potential contamination, including a variety of toys.

If WDW removed every item that could be source of allergic reaction to anyone, there would eb nothing left.

Anne

[ducklite]

Just like peanut products - there could be peanut butter on virtually anything my son touches (pens, toys, handle bars, etc) and he would have a reaction. But WDW does a very good job of controlling the most likely sources of peanut cross contamination in their restaurants (using Uncrustables, preparing PB sandwiches elsewhere and pre-wrapping, etc).

FYI--the PB&J sandwiches served at Jiko are NOT uncrustables and NOT made elsewhere, they are made right in the kitchen at Jiko.

Also, BOMA has a LOT of peanut and peanut products in their food, and is a cross contamination mightmare.

Anne

[Michigan]

Ok, my turn now. I have 2 daughters that are allergic to latex. The youngest one just gets red blotches. The oldest one can’t breathe and turns blue.

Latex balloons and latex gloves are the 2 worst reactions because they are ingested through the airway causing the reactions. Both contain powder that causes the reaction. We don’t have problems avoiding latex at WDW but if they allow the latex balloons again it will be a big problem. If we are in a restaurant or on a Disney bus and someone comes in with a latex balloon there is a good chance that my child will leave in on a stretcher.

I think the latex Mickey head balloons are a big waste of money anyway because most people buy them on their way out of the park and by the next morning they have lost all their helium and are thrown out.

Maybe this has helped people understand that unlike other allergies except peanut that latex is a deadly airborne allergy and not just an allergy like a food allergy (which I have anaphylactic reactions to fish), or trees or pollen.

Also, unlike other allergies reactions to latex have been known to cause severe brain damage in a few cases.

[ducklite]

Maybe this has helped people understand that unlike other allergies except peanut that latex is a deadly airborne allergy and not just an allergy like a food allergy (which I have anaphylactic reactions to fish), or trees or pollen.

Also, unlike other allergies reactions to latex have been known to cause severe brain damage in a few cases.

While my allergy to certain tree pollens (many of which are at WDW) isn't deadly in itself, it directly causes a severe asthma attack which could be as fatal as your daughters allergies. So don't give me that crock of crap, or I'll have you speak to my doctor about how ill I was back in March--within hours of being hospitalized and intubated. I wasn't hospitalized only because I was too boneheaded to go, and at the moment too ill to think straight.

Latex is all over the place, and as I've stated before, there are ways of avoiding balloons at WDW--if you want to take responsibility for yourself and do some planning, just like people who deal with peanut and other allergies have to do.

Anne

[icelady]

Please put this to rest, I am looking out for myself and others who are latex allergic. I hope that someday if and when any of you that have a health problem and are asking for help persons educate themselves prior to speaking or posting and understand the problem before flaming someone. I was asking for the latex balloons to be banned, not the mylar or any other latex product. I travel with all the necessary medication including epipen and protable nebulizer all the time during my stay. I guess you have to have the problem and live it for anyone to understand how the balloons can cause a deadly problem no matter how you try to avoid them. I will not post about this problem again and did not mean to cause all the flames.

[buf68]

i think people are missing the idea here. Am i right in saying that previous disney had stopped selling these balloons due to the allergy and are now thinking about bringing them back? If so, I think writing letters is a great idea because disney has accomadated you already and perhaps it's a "cost cutting" alternative that they are bringing them back for. If so, letters would help them realize why they took them away in the first place.

I don't think this is about someone asking disney to bend over backwards, it's about disney bringing BACK something they already got rid of...why do it? It's probably about the money, and as such i think people SHOULD send letters describing why they were happy disney no longer had latex balloons in the first place...

...oh and thosee talking about peanut allergies and airplanes, i've noticed on recent trips that planes have been giving out pretzels instead of peanuts on quite a few airlines, is this due to allergies? I don't know, but it's possible.

[ducklite]

Latex allergies had nothing to do with the decision to stop selling them originally. It was purely a financial decision based on cost v. potential profit at that point.

Anne

[j-me]

Just like Vinyl gloves are used in the hospitals... maybe WDW has found a source for vinyl balloons....and people just assume they are going to be latex. WDW is an amazing leader in the "new" stuff. Plus WDW is what 75% outside attractions...walking..that's alot of air circulating. I don't see people with balloons on rides.
And until we know the facts...
nothing is for sure.

Everyone have a Magical night

[WantToGoNow]

I posted on the other board and I will again here. This post shows that many people do not understand the latex allergy and how severe it can be. Different people react differently to latex based items. My son just turned 5 in May -- he has a daily dose of Zrytec to counteract those things we cannot avoid -- carpet, underwear, socks, the soles of his shoes, etc. We carry Benadryl Fastmelts to give him when we first notice that he's made contact (his ears and checks turn bright red, his hands swell with hives and the whites of his eyes turn red) and we carry two Epi Pen's. Most of the time the Benadryl is enough to counteract his reactions. For other people, they don't get these warnings - it's instant anaphalaxis.

My son doesn't have a problem with tires -- cars, busses or his bike. My husband is a Chemist and explained why the latex breakdown in the tires are different than say a glove or ball. We do have to avoid Koosh and Nerf products, he cannot make contact with a lot of foams -- the craft foams that so many daycares use (including his) will cause an immediate reaction. One night at church he was playing with a foam frisbee -- immediate reaction. We have to be careful on what brand of Bandaids are used on him and we have to supervise stickers to make sure they are not applied to his skin. He put a sticker on his cheek in the car one day and his cheek turned purple. However, he can go to McDonald's and play on the cushy playground (similar to Pooh's Playful Spot I believe) and is fine.

My cousin has this allergy more like the OP -- you can't even touch one of her children with a balloon, gloves, etc. and then she touch them without a trip to the hospital.

To me it seems when someone is uniformed about a condition, they are not very sympathetic -- after all, it doesn't concern them a bit. It is MY responsibility to make sure my son is safe -- but that will be a challenge when other children are waving balloons in front of his face or when we are in a crowded situation and cannot get away from them.

[Schmeck]

If tire break-down is OK, then why did a woman I used to work with who had a medium-level latex allergy have shortness of breath, itchy throat, etc, when she entered Sam's Club near the tire storage area? That doesn't make sense to me, and I'm a bio-chemist by educational background. I don't meant to be rude, but could your husband explain it here for me?

Edited to add - I've become the latex-info person for our school, as we have students who carry epi-pens due to latex allergies, and we've been told tires have latex in them, and the students shouldn't come in contact with them. That's why I want to know how they are safe when they degrade.

[jckdisneybound]

Latex balloons and latex gloves are the 2 worst reactions because they are ingested through the airway causing the reactions. Both contain powder that causes the reaction. We don’t have problems avoiding latex at WDW but if they allow the latex balloons again it will be a big problem. If we are in a restaurant or on a Disney bus and someone comes in with a latex balloon there is a good chance that my child will leave in on a stretcher.

I have the same allergy(along with a plethora of other airborn ones) that has started recently and is getting progessivly worse. Gloves, balloons (due to the corn starch in them), koosh balls etc are really bad. I do everything in my power to avoid these things. My concern is at any location is the excited child who runs past me with his/her balloon and it gets me in the face. Yup I do have my epi-pen and I take my medication and I have my inhalers. But somethings you can't control like pollen off a tree/plant.

What I don't understand is this is something that Disney has done away with, people aren't used to buying them so why are people so upset that the poster doesn't want them to come back???

If they missed the balloons in the first place why didn't all these people flaming her for wanting them not to come back bombard Disney with the why did you take them aways???

[WantToGoNow]

If tire break-down is OK, then why did a woman I used to work with who had a medium-level latex allergy have shortness of breath, itchy throat, etc, when she entered Sam's Club near the tire storage area? That doesn't make sense to me, and I'm a bio-chemist by educational background. I don't meant to be rude, but could your husband explain it here for me?

Edited to add - I've become the latex-info person for our school, as we have students who carry epi-pens due to latex allergies, and we've been told tires have latex in them, and the students shouldn't come in contact with them. That's why I want to know how they are safe when they degrade.


I didn't say it was ok for everyone -- just my son. People with this allergy can react differently to different things. My son is ok with tires. The first time we took him to a playground to discover there were ground up tires as the cushioning agent, I was a nervous wreck -- I figured we'd be going to the hospital but he was ok. My cousin who I described earlier who can have a reaction after touching one of her children who has touched something latex can play with that foam frisbee that caused my son a reaction. There doesn't seem to be rhyme or reason behind this allergy -- each person is different and so is there allergy and what causes a reaction. If my dh wasn't in the shower right now, I'd have him come out and type a response.

[mickeyfan2]

I just read the other post. First off I have never seen anybody bring a balloon into a ride. I have only seen then tied to strollers, so they are outdoors (no problem according to her).

BTW In April 2005 the hotel delivered latex balloons to our room for a kids birthday. The balloons were attached to a signed photo. They lasted for 1 day and were thrown out. So maybe she has not been so safe as she thinks on her last 4 trips.

[Selket]

If anyone has a suggested address for writing I would be happy to write a letter. I think WDW does a great job addressing the peanut allergy (and diabetes for that matter) and I'd like to let them know that as well.

I have been reading about latex allergies after this thread appeared and it is very interesting how a few items are major sources of the reactions folks have - including balloons. Seems tires are usually not a problem because they are "hard" but soft sources of latex (balloons, rubber bands, gloves cause of the powder in them, and those koosh balls, etc) are the things that usually give folks the most concern. The allergy reminds me of my son's peanut allergy in many respects.

I do appreciate the informational posts - I have learned a lot! :goodvibes

[Mickey'snewestfan]

And what of the passengers sharing my flight to Orlando who say they are allergic to dogs? So, I hang Cash out the window?
Nope.
I tell them that there is no case in which the ADA definition of disability has ever been stretched to include allergies. No ADA? No accommodation.
:blush:

Where did you get this information? ADA definitely includes "breathing" as an activity of daily living. As someone who works in early childhood education, I can tell you that there have been several law suits in which lawyers have successfully argued that children with asthma and allergies are covered under A.D.A. and that child care centers need to make "reasonable accomodations" to allow them to participate -- examples of reasonable accomodations are training and allowing staff to administer epi-pens and inhalers. I am pretty sure that there have also been cases involving adults and reasonable accomodation in the workplace, but since that's not my field I don't know for sure. What is clear is that the ADA considers asthma and allergies to be a disability, and to deserve the same protections as a sensory or mobility impairment.

As far as what is "reasonable" clearly hanging Cash out the window is not an option. On the other hand, rearranging seating so that Cash and the person with asthma and allergies are as far apart as possible meets the standards of "reasonable", as does allowing the person to fly standby on a later flight. You could also make the case that it would be reasonable for people to receive advance notice if a service animal is flying on a specific flight, and have the right for a refund, or transfer to a different flight.

In this case, latex is a very common allergy, one which can be life threatening. Disney has already decided that avoiding the use of latex gloves is "reasonable". It may also be that they will decide that banning latex balloons is not reasonable (since it could inhibit their profit) but that offering to store balloons in the cloakroom of a restaurant, or offering a "balloon free" seating area in their restaurants is. Similarly, Disney may decide to offer latex allergic individuals GAC's that would allow them to bypass crowded lines where they are less likely to get away from balloons. On the other hand, a judge could easily decide that given the size of Disney and it's profits, that it is indeed reasonable to ask them to stick to only selling Mylar balloons.

[aubriee]

Where did you get this information? ADA definitely includes "breathing" as an activity of daily living. I am pretty sure that there have also been cases involving adults and reasonable accomodation in the workplace, but since that's not my field I don't know for sure. What is clear is that the ADA considers asthma and allergies to be a disability, and to deserve the same protections as a sensory or mobility impairment.


I am a RN who works in a pschiatric hospital. I have a mental health worker who is allergic to the powder in gloves, however for her job she must wear gloves. We were required to provide her with powder free gloves. This sufficed for a time, but over the last few years her allergy has gotten worse and now we are required to use only powder free gloves for everyone on our unit (all three shifts). It was also decided that she would not be allowed to float to another unit due to her allergies= (violation of her coworkers rights to fair treatment vs application of the ADA?) We have had people float to our unit, see our gloves, then request regular ones. When the situation is explained, we have had people ask what makes our unit so special that we get special, more expensive gloves and we have to explain that we have an employee protected under the American Disabilities Act. So yes latex allergy is covered under the ADA.

[Selket]

The ADA does cover asthma, allergies, diabetes, etc.

http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/faqs/aafaADA.shtml#q2[U]
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/carsonlg.htm

I could probably pull up better links but there's the first 2 that came up. ;)

[ducklite]

Using the train of thought being presented here, WDW should replace all the trees I'm allergic to with trees I'm not allergic to. After all they cause a life threatening reaction covered under the ADA...

Anne

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Using the train of thought being presented here, WDW should replace all the trees I'm allergic to with trees I'm not allergic to. After all they cause a life threatening reaction covered under the ADA...

Anne

Not replacing the trees doesn't fall under "reasonable" accomodation because it would represent a signifcant financial hardship for WDW.

Generally, the ADA comes into play when people make changes -- for example, an organization may not be required to retro-fit an existing building to put in an elevator if that presents, but if they build a new building, or make significant renovations they are required to include an elevator. Similarly, if you update or replace a playground you're required to include accessible equipment, but old playgrounds are grandfathered in. New rides at WDW are required to have "mainstream lines" but old ones are grandfathered in.

In your case you certainly could make a place that WDW needs to "reasonably accomodate" your allergy, for example by providing you an airconditioned place to wait and avoid outdoor lines, thus reducing your exposure. They might need to "reasonably" accomodate your allergy by helping you find a hotel room that is farther away from allergy-causing trees. They also might need to provide special cleaning of your hotel room in case the people before you opened the window and pollen got into the room.

In a similar case, my son is very allergic to hay and the mold that grows in hay. Asking a pumpkin patch to not offer hay rides on his class field trip is probably not reasonable. Asking them to allow me to drive him directly to the field (thus bypassing the hay ride) or asking the school to allow him to stay behind (perhaps acting as a "student teacher" in a younger class) might both be considered "reasonable accomodations".

In the case of the latex balloons, WDW is changing a policy that is already allergy-friendly. They need to be able to make a case that they need to change this policy, and that not being able to do so presents a "hardship" to them.

[ducklite]

Not replacing the trees doesn't fall under "reasonable" accomodation because it would represent a signifcant financial hardship for WDW.

I realize this, I was being sarcastic.

Although now that you mention it, when replacing diseased trees I supposed they could be required to use trees that have less risk of allergic reaction to the majority of the population.

Anne

[Quinn222]

"She is concerned about how to deal with it"

Actually this is incorrect.She is trying to organise a letter writing campaign to get Disney to BAN latex balloons.

I would have no problem with the OP asking how to avoid them and cope but she is not.She is asking for everyone to bend over completely backwards for her.

That is how to cope and I totally agree. There is no need to have latex balloons at WDW. We could be waiting in line for a ride and some kid walks up behind us with one and it could kill us. How is it bending over backwards to ask that a toxic substance be banned? Latex is highly toxic to a very large number of people and latex balloons are deadly to birds and animals. Of course the solution offered on the other board was 'don't go to WDW.'

Latex allergy is a HUGE issue and WDW should take the lead in safety by banning them. Nothing sheds latex worse than balloons.

If someone can offer constructive help for those of us with a latex allergy I need to know what the wrist bands for special events are made from. We are going to MNSSHP and MVMCP this year and both involve a wrist band. If it is made of rubber I will not be able to touch it, much less wear it.

[mickeyfan2]

We are going to MNSSHP and MVMCP this year and both involve a wrist band. If it is made of rubber I will not be able to touch it, much less wear it.
They are plastic.

[Quinn222]

They are plastic.

Thank you so much, I've really been concerned about that.

[Selket]

Using the train of thought being presented here, WDW should replace all the trees I'm allergic to with trees I'm not allergic to. After all they cause a life threatening reaction covered under the ADA...

Anne

There are some excellent documents on the ADA website: http://www.ada.gov/ I think Title III has to do with businesses like WDW. There are discussions about outdoor accomodations for walkways and nature areas, etc. but I haven't seen anything that specifically deals with trees.

Here is some commentary on allergies however from http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/reg3a.html:

Many commenters asked that environmental illness (also known as multiple chemical sensitivity) as well as allergy to cigarette smoke be recognized as disabilities. The Department, however, declines to state categorically that these types of allergies or sensitivities are disabilities, because the determination as to whether an impairment is a disability depends on whether, given the particular circumstances at issue, the impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities (or has a history of, or is regarded as having such an effect).


Sometimes respiratory or neurological functioning is so severely affected that an individual will satisfy the requirements to be considered disabled under the regulation. Such an individual would be entitled to all of the protections afforded by the Act and this part. In other cases, individuals may be sensitive to environmental elements or to smoke but their sensitivity will not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability. For example, their major life activity of breathing may be somewhat, but not substantially, impaired. In such circumstances, the individuals are not disabled and are not entitled to the protections of the statute despite their sensitivity to environmental agents.


In sum, the determination as to whether allergies to cigarette smoke, or allergies or sensitivities characterized by the commenters as environmental illness are disabilities covered by the regulation must be made using the same case-by-case analysis that is applied to all other physical or mental impairments. Moreover, the addition of specific regulatory provisions relating to environmental illness in the final rule would be inappropriate at this time pending future consideration of the issue by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor.

I can't find specific information but I would think that items in the natural landscape like trees or bees would be considered uncontrollable (sort of like a hurricane being called an "act of nature" or "act of God", etc). Perhaps the items causing the allergic reaction cannot be naturally occurring in the landscape. By doing some more research on ADA law you can find out if businesses would have an obligation to replant using trees that cause fewer allergic symptoms.

Good luck! :thumbsup2

[SueM in MN]

I was gone to a conference in Tampa from 6/11 to 6/14 (late evening) and didn't expect to see a flaming controversy when I returned.

I will leave this thread open for now, but am reminding people that everyone needs to "play nice". Differences of opinion are OK, personal attacks are not. Please keep in mind that sarcasm or humor can be easily misinterpreted - the writer knows that is what they mean, but the reader often doesn't.

Having been on our hospital system's latex committee, I can add some history and other information.
In the early 1980s, when AIDS was first identified, it was recommended that health care workers wear gloves for most contact with patients. This was a big change; before that, gloves were worn much less frequently.
The glove manufacturers rushed to make enough gloves to meet the demand.
When latex production is rushed, there are more proteins left in the latex and the ones that are left are more likely to cause allergies because of impurities in the proteins.
In latex allergies, it's not the latex itself that causes the problem; it's the latex proteins that are shed into the air during use of the gloves and balloon during use that cause the problem.
Because of frequent exposure, health care workers and people with frequent health care related exposure to latex products are more likely to become latex allergic (for example, between 50 and 60% of people with spina bifida are allergic to latex).

Products like gloves and latex balloons used cornstarch or other powders to prevent the surfaces of the gloves/balloons from sticking together. The powder became an additional way for the latex proteins to get into the air and be breathed in.
As time went on, some manufacturers made changes to their production process that produced latex with less impuries (so their gloves were less likely to cause allergic reactions). Other manufacturers made powder free gloves (low powder or no powder means less latex proteins get into the air). Many hospitals substituted gloves made from other substances - like vinyl or nitrile.

This is a good website with information about latex allergy. (http://www.latexallergyresources.org/faq.cfm)

For most people with latex allergies, the biggest problem is latex particles that get into the air - like latex gloves or balloons that shed latex particles during normal use.
Things like carpeting, tires and latex coatings on handrails, etc. don't tend to shed latex particles during normal use, so are not as much of a problem for most people with latex allergies. Some people have allergy problems if they get into direct contact with those items, but may not have any problem with them being in the environment. That is very different than gloves and balloons.

It would be a "reasonable accomidation" for health care providers and businesses to avoid using latex gloves and balloons. There are alternatives available that can be substituted (and for balloons, there are additional reasons - like animal/bird hazards - to avoid using them).

I would like some information about how/where anyone saw that WDW is considering re-introducing latex balloons. They have not sold them for many years and I wondered where the information came from that says they are going to be selling them again.

[ducklite]

Selket,

My tree allergies are severe enought hat they cause acute respiratory distress. Earlier this year during peak pollen season I missed several days of work, was not able to go outside without wearing a mask, had a functioning lung capacity of under 25%, and my physician wanted to hospitalize me.

Medical testing proved that the tree pollen was causing the allergic reaction that was triggering my asthma so severely.

Now, I am being facetious when I say that Disney should remove the trees.

However, as I am unable to use my Seasonal Pass because of the plethora of trees on their property that I'm allergic to during late February and March--peak pollen season--I wonder if under the ADA they would be obligated to pro-rate the cost?

I'm certainly not going to ask them to do so, even with the loss of those six weeks it's still a great bargain IMHO, but it's certainly food for thought.

Anne

[Selket]

In no way do I minimize seasonal or outdoor kinds of allergies - they can be extremely serious! My 4 yr old is type 1 diabetic and peanut allergic but also seems to react to tree and grass pollen this time of year. The past 3 years he has been on albuterol and prednisone for the asthma - and was almost admitted to the hospital last May because of it. With the diabetes, without getting too technical, the prednisone is an absolute disaster on his blood sugars because it almost triples his insulin doses. It is just a nightmare when he has to take it. So far this summer, knock on wood, we've hopefully got him on the right meds and he hasn't had an asthma type reaction yet. :goodvibes

I guess the question is how the ADA applies to the natural environment. I know there are issues about accessability (like for wheelchairs) on nature trails and so forth. Yet no one suggests they build wheelchair ramps down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon I suppose. I'm not sure if this falls under "reasonableness" or some other part of the ADA that I'm not aware of.

I have heard that folks who moved to places like Arizona to get away from seasonal allergy causing things have problems now because of so many imported trees and/or grasses and the like. Yet since these are homeowners it probably isn't affected by ADA. But the state could perhaps limit this type of landscaping. (?) I really don't know. It could be that the trees, etc. that bother you with allergies are not just at WDW but all around Orlando, etc. (rather like the grasses and trees that bother William) so it could be said that it is not a controllable problem. My guess is that it wouldn't be covered under ADA but the only way to know for sure is to ask a lawyer - which I'm sure isn't cheap!

I found it to be an interesting (and perhaps academic) question. Of course I think that the disney chefs are more food allergy aware not because of ADA but just because that is a company policy or priority. And the latex balloons in the park would probably be the same way. I don't know about for employment issues (WDW park employees allergic to latex - that is back to ADA).

I think it is a positive thing to encourage places like WDW to make what changes they can to accomodate guests with allergies/asthma, etc. whenever possible. Making your needs known is never a bad thing although for many of those issues it is up to the company to make the decision. :goodvibes

[SueM in MN]

Of course I think that the disney chefs are more food allergy aware not because of ADA but just because that is a company policy or priority. And the latex balloons in the park would probably be the same way. I don't know about for employment issues (WDW park employees allergic to latex - that is back to ADA).
In my experience (having worked in Public Health in the past), most places that prepare food did not use latex gloves anyway. If they used gloves at all, they used vinyl gloves (some states speecify that gloves are not required - it is more important that food handlers be aware of contamination and wash their hands frequently/when they become soiled).

Reasons were that vinyl gloves were much less expensive (and still durable enough for the intended use), don't have powder, smells or tastes that can get into food. The vinyl gloves are mostly similar to "glove shaped" food storage bags.

So, most places that handle food didn't change from latex gloves; they never used them in the first place.

[going2disney]

The info about the balloons again being sold is posted under recent WDW news on touringplans.com, along with a CM holding a bouquet of the balloons on Main Street.

[SueM in MN]

The info about the balloons again being sold is posted under recent WDW news on touringplans.com, along with a CM holding a bouquet of the balloons on Main Street.
Thanks. I found it at the end of the news.

[Cheshire Figment]

I have just spent about 15 minutes on the phone. I was unable to get through directly to the balloon department, but did talk to people in merchandising and others and the general comments I have received is that they have not used latex balloons at WDW in over three years.

However, I expect to be stopping in at MK some time within the next week and I will talk directly to one (or more) of the balloon sellers; if necessary I will even go backstage but I will get a definite accurate answer.

[adisneymama]

My entire family suffers from allergies so I can relate. I myself am a sever asthmatic. However, asking for the ban of these balloons is a little unreasonable. Keep in mind you are at Disney. Things like this are to be expected (balloons, toys etc that may or may not be made out of latex). However, Disney is very accomodating to their guests with disabilities of any kind and if told of the situation before hand will make every effort to ensure you a safe stay and a very good time.

Instead of trying to ban the balloons, the OP should simply call Disney and ask that her room be sanitized and cleaned extra well due to her allergy. She could also get a GAC so that she would not have to wait in lines with the "potential" balloons. Also, since she isn't going to be alone if she sees a line that a balloon is "too close" to her, she simply could have a family member inform the CM of the situation. The CM would simply ask the person with the balloon to let them store it for them until they finished the ride and could remove the hazard to her with no problem.
Instead of complaining that someone might get on the bus with a balloon with her, she has the option of waiting for another bus or the best bet would be to use a rental car rather than Disney transportation, this way she doesn't have to be delayed because of a balloon.

When going to the restraunts she could simply inform the CM's of the situation so that they could again make sure no balloons are brought near her or into the restraunt.

That is enough of the examples. You get the picture. The reason so many people are up in arms over this is because she does expect Disney to bend over backwards for her. This isn't something that has to be banned for her to enjoy her trip, she just has to take the responsiblity for her allergies and let those that can help her be aware of the situation.

So, yes Grandma can go to Disney, even if there are balloons.

[SueM in MN]

Just repeating part of what I wrote before:
For most people with latex allergies, the biggest problem is latex particles that get into the air - like latex gloves or balloons that shed latex particles during normal use.
Things like carpeting, tires and latex coatings on handrails, etc. don't tend to shed latex particles during normal use, so are not as much of a problem for most people with latex allergies. Some people have allergy problems if they get into direct contact with those items, but may not have any problem with them being in the environment. That is very different than gloves and balloons.

It would be a "reasonable accomidation" for health care providers and businesses to avoid using latex gloves and balloons. There are alternatives available that can be substituted (and for balloons, there are additional reasons - like animal/bird hazards - to avoid using them).

[going2disney]

It is sad that the people that truely do not understand this allergy continue to trivialize it like we are dealing with a common cold. Those of us that do understand the seriousness are able to read some of these posts and recognize that these people truely DO NOT UNDERSTAND, I don't know what more you can say than this. It is no so simple and cut and dry to "just cross the street or stay away, or have a room cleaning, while yes these offer good ideas but people living with this are already doing these things. And many times the allergic cascade has already started before you ever even see the exposure.

[adisneymama]

I'm not trying to trivialize anything. I understand and sympothize with her. My DD is extremely allergic to all types of mold. What I am saying is that it is UNREASONABLE to ask that these balloons be banned at Disney instead of making adjustments like the rest of us do. Also, what about everywhere else? I mean lets ban them from all restraunts, all parades, all museums, etc. You get the idea. Has she asked the town she lives in to ban them? What about Walmart or target. My point is, although it stinks to have allergies to anything, she can't possibly avoid this situation 100% and the only solution would be the consistant banning of latex balloons in the entire world. Most likely not going to happen. That is the point I was making.

Like I said, I do empathize. We have been instructed that if we are in a building for less than 2 mins and my DD starts having watery eyes or coughing to get her out. It means that there is mold somewhere. It's scary that this is the only way to "test" new places. AT least she can see a balloon. I can't always see mold. Yes, I call Disney and explain the situation and they are sure to clean my room very well and inspect it for mold. WE have never had a problem and I appreciate it very much the things that Disney has done for us.

It is unreasonable for me to think that all mold could be removed prior to my attending Disney with my DD the same way it is unreasonable to ask that these balloons be banned there or anywhere else. Like I said, allergies or disabilities of any kind suck. You just have to learn what you need to do in the event of a problem and be prepared.

To the OP I do hope you will speak with Disney on some of the issues you have and let them help you in anyway they can. I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip and I know they will be most accomodating if you let them.

[ducklite]

It is sad that the people that truely do not understand this allergy continue to trivialize it like we are dealing with a common cold. Those of us that do understand the seriousness are able to read some of these posts and recognize that these people truely DO NOT UNDERSTAND, I don't know what more you can say than this. It is no so simple and cut and dry to "just cross the street or stay away, or have a room cleaning, while yes these offer good ideas but people living with this are already doing these things. And many times the allergic cascade has already started before you ever even see the exposure.

I fully understand, but I'm not seeing where you have offered to take any proactive steps on your own, rather insist that WDW not sell the balloons.

People with severe peanut allergies are in the same boat. And guess what? Disney stills sells peanut butter and allows people to bring PB&J into the parks. The people with peanut allergies have worked with Disney to COEXIST. Something you'd be able to do if you'd divest yourself of the tunnel vision. You simply refuse to look at the big picture.

You can rent a car, ask for special cleaning on your room, get a GAC to be out of lines and away from balloons, visit during the least crowded times of the year, and speak to restaurant manager sbefore you go to explain the issue and make sure you'll be seated where exposure is minimalized. Have you even looked at these options with WDW? If not, then I'm not sure why you are making demands when you haven't even tried to work around them.

99% of the balloons at WDW are attached to strollers. It's not that difficult to avoid stroller corals.

The ADA requires reasonable accomodation. Reasonable is a term that goes both ways.

Anne

[SueM in MN]

I am closing this because there is nothing being said here that hasn't been said before (several times).
Some of the things (like mold), are naturally occuring and could not be entirely removed no matter how hard anyone tries. To insist they be removed would be so difficult that it would be unreasonable (and once removed, it would start to grow back anyway).

As I have mentioned before, there are viable alternatives to latex balloons, so I don't feel that it is unreasonable for someone to ask WDW not to sell latex ones - hospitals and many businesses do just that to avoid any problems. Latex allergies are often life threatening and sometimes the person's first knowledge that they are allergic to latex is almost dying from it.
I know someone in the hospital where I work who had a slight feeling of tightness in her chest when she worked for about a week. She thought maybe she was in the beginning of some type of lung problem/bronchitis. One day, she woke up in intensive care with no idea how she got there. The last she remembered was just having the tight chest that she had had for the past week. She actually went into anaphalactic shock, stopped breathing and heart beating. That was her introduction to being allergic to latex.
She was lucky this happened in the hospital where they could call a Code Blue (but, being in the hospital was what put her in the situation of breathing in latex particles in the first place). She can't work in a health care setting any more at all because of the latex in the environment (not just stay across from the room from it).

It's possible that the balloons being sold in the parks are not latex at all - many of the "latex gloves" being used in health care settings these days are vinyl or another product called nitrile. It's possible that the balloons are made of something similar. If anyone finds out, I will add an update to this thread.
But, if they are latex, I don't think it would ruin anyones' WDW experience not to have latex balloons available.

[SueM in MN]

We have some further information on this subject. Cheshire Figment said he would see what he could find out and he was abel to get some answers that should be helpful. Here's what he reported to me:

"Today I was at the Magic Kingdon and talking to one of the balloon sellers. He put me in touch with his manager for more information. The manager was not sure about the Mickey Head balloons and gave me the phone number for his company's office. Note that the balloon sellers are not Disney employees but are "operating participants" (employees of an independent contractor doing business with Disney).

I ended up speaking with an executive at the company and got the following information.

First, to the best of everyone's knowledge the Mickey Head balloons are latex.

Second, they have never discontinued sale of the Mickey Head balloons but they are a very small percentage of the total sales. This is why the original poster may have been under the impression that they have not been sold for several years.

The company is aware that there could be severe allergic reactions to latex, but to the best of their knowledge there have never been any complaints and they have not received anything from Disney voicing concern over the balloons."