Startup Idea: Latex Allergy Tracker App

Startup idea to develop an app that helps individuals with latex allergies identify safe products and food establishments by tracking and revealing latex use in various brands and companies. This software could potentially ease lives of users and in severe cases, save them.

I have a severe allergic reaction to natural rubber latex. Unfortunately, companies are not required to reveal what products contain latex and which are latex-free. Likewise, places in the food industry are not required to reveal whether or not they use latex gloves in the preparation of their products. As a result, I end up in the ER multiple times each month from life-threatening allergic reactions because a product contains latex and I didn't know. My life is very limited and restricted because of my allergy.

If there were an app or software of some sort that could track which companies were safe for those with latex allergies and which are not. Especially for restaurants, as when I travel, I either have to take my own food with me or I have to find one of a limited number of chains that I know are safe to eat at because the entire chain is safe.

A latex allergy might seem minor - many people think only of gloves and balloons when they think latex - but it is actually a really big deal. I can react from being in the same room as gloves or a balloon and can react to food that has been touched by a latex glove. Products you wouldn't think of contain latex - pens, pencils, erasers, rubber bands, balls, foam, tires, chairs/couches, padding, grips, even food like bananas, kiwi, avocados and more!

Due to the AIDS epidemic, the health care industry started using latex gloves to prevent blood borne pathogens, which was great, except that the exposure to latex gloves has now caused and epidemic of latex allergies! It is estimated that 1 to 6% of the general population and as much as 8 to 12% of health care workers now have a latex allergy!

Unlike other allergies, where exposure over time helps an allergy get better (the basis of exposure therapy), a latex allergy gets WORSE with every exposure! Someone who has just a little itchy rash or who has a slight stomachache after eating a banana may end up in anaphylaxis like me from being in the same room as a balloon!

This is an idea that could literally save lives!.