(WAND) - Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill into law today restricting the use of latex gloves in food preparation and medical services.
HB209 is meant to protect people from adverse allergic reactions.
Latex allergies can range from skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis.
“We want to make sure that our spaces are accessible to all Illinoisans—including those with latex allergies,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this legislation, we are preventing avoidable allergic reactions and subsequent hospitalizations. I am proud to sign this bill into law to help create a more accessible, considerate, and healthy Illinois.”
The legislation includes provisions for food service unable to source nonlatex gloves. If other gloves cannot be obtained, latex gloves can be used providing prominent signage warns customers of the change. The same exception applies for medical providers, with specific instructions to prioritize available non-latex gloves for use on patients with latex allergies or patients unable to give medical history.
The law takes effect for food service establishments and EMS personnel on January 1, 2023 and on January 4, 2024 for health care facility personnel.
Copyright 2022 WAND TV. All rights reserved.
