Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

As the use of rubber products has increased, more people have become allergic to latex. Latex is made from the milky fluid of the rubber tree. Medical and dental supplies, such as gloves, urinary catheters, dental dams, and material used to fill root canals, tourniquets and equipment for resuscitation, often contain latex. Many household products also contain latex, including balloons, rubber toys, pacifiers, baby-bottle nipples, rubber bands, adhesive tape and bandages, diapers, sanitary pads and condoms.

Latex allergy is the body’s reaction to proteins in natural latex rubber. Increasing the frequency of exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergy. Anyone can develop an allergy to latex. People at higher risk include those who had many operations, especially in childhood, workers who use latex gloves such as health care workers, housekeepers, hairdressers and workers in industries that manufacture latex products.

If you suspect you have a latex allergy, see a doctor. Latex sensitive people will usually begin to have symptoms within minutes of exposure, but symptoms also can occur hours later. Mild symptoms include skin redness, rash, hives or itching, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Severe reactions include shortness of breath, chest tightness, asthma, and shock. A life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.

To avoid developing sensitivity to latex, reduce your exposure to latex. For instance, food service workers and gardeners can use non-latex gloves when working. Medical exam gloves without latex have also been approved by for use by health care workers. For more information call the Genesee County Health Department at 257-3612.