Latex Allergy - What things contain latex?

$Introduction$

$Glossary$

$What is latex allergy?$

$History of latex allergy$

$What things contain latex?$

$How common is latex allergy?$

$What will happen to me if I have an allergic reaction?$

$How is latex allergy diagnosed?$

$Is latex allergy serious?$

$Does latex allergy go away?$

$What can I do to help prevent an allergic reaction to latex?$

$How are allergic reactions to latex treated?$

$How do hospitals deal with latex allergy?$

$What gloves are used in healthcare?$

$What should I do when I visit the dentist?$

$How will latex allergy affect my daily life?$

$Can people with latex allergy also have food allergy?$

$What gloves can I wear if I am allergic to latex?$

$Why is glove powder a problem?$

$Frequently Asked Questions$

$Where can I get further information?$

>> What things contain latex?

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) is an ever-present part of daily life. Because it is strong, flexible, elastic, hard-wearing and protective, NRL is used in many thousands of medical and consumer products.

NRL that has been tapped from the Hevea brasiliensis tree is processed into two types of rubber material:

dipped rubber goods – these cause most of the allergic reactions to NRL
dry rubber goods – these are much less likely to cause allergic reactions

Dipped rubber goods

About 10% of tapped latex is made into a ‘latex concentrate’, most of which is used for ‘dipped’ rubber products.

These are called ‘dipped’ because of the manufacturing process, where the porcelain or glass formers, which are in the shape of the item to be made, are dipped into liquid latex. Click here to see an example of this.

‘Dipped’ products are the main source of NRL allergens, and those that most commonly cause reactions in people with latex allergy are:

gloves
balloons
condoms

There are two reasons why these cause most of the reactions:

they contain larger amounts of allergen than dry rubber goods
they may be in contact with mucous membranes (e.g. during an operation) or damaged skin (e.g. dermatitis), both of which allow easier access of the allergen into the body

In addition, gloves and balloons may contain powder. This can be released into the air, taking the latex allergen with it (see the 'powder page'). Breathing this in can cause symptoms in people with latex allergy.

Latex concentrate is also used in the production of catheters, tourniquets, teats, dental dams, swimming caps, cold seal adhesives, thread for garments, foam for pillows and mattresses, bathmat backings, carpet backings (most are synthetic), and some mattresses (many are synthetic).

Dry rubber goods

About 90% of tapped latex is made into ‘dry’ or solid rubber goods.

Most dry rubber is used for vehicle tyres, where it is often combined with synthetic rubbers.

Other uses include hoses, seals, erasers, car mats, windscreen wipers, sink plugs, medicine vial stoppers, shoe soles, divers’ flippers, rubber bands, hot water bottles, tool handles and cables.

People with latex allergy do not generally have problems with dry rubber goods, as these contain only small amounts of allergen. This is because dry rubber processing uses a higher temperature than for dipped products, and the heat destroys more of the allergens.

For more detailed information about what things contain latex

Examples of medical equipment and consumer items that contain NRL can be seen at on the Health and Safety Executive website.

A more comprehensive list is available on the UK Latex Allergy Support Group website under latex allergy. Please note, this list is intended for guidance only.

Goods that contain NRL often do not disclose this on the label. If you are in any doubt, contact the manufacturer who should be able to tell you.

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