Natural Rubber Latex

What types of health problems are associated with exposure to latex (NRL)?

There are three types of health problems commonly seen with latex exposure:

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

A skin rash that results from direct injury to the skin. It is NOT an allergic reaction. It is the most common health problem associated with products like gloves made of either natural rubber latex or synthetic rubber.

The irritant may be the latex itself, the glove powder or sweat that occurs while wearing the glove. Symptoms may also occur when soap isn’t completely dried before gloves are put on.

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Type IV reaction)

A skin rash caused by the body’s immune reaction to the chemicals and/or the preservatives that are added during the harvesting, processing and manufacturing of both natural rubber latex and synthetic rubber. This condition is more common than latex (NRL) allergy.

3. Latex allergy (Type I reaction - immediate hypersensitivity)

This is an immediate allergic reaction that is associated ONLY with natural rubber latex products. The reaction is caused by an immune response to protein(s) in the natural rubber latex itself. Several symptoms may occur including:

Hives following direct contact with skin

Red, watery, itchy eyes

Runny nose, sneezing

Asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath) if latex proteins are inhaled.

In extreme cases, some people may suffer a potentially severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This reaction occurs within minutes of exposure to proteins in natural rubber latex and is recognized by the appearance of severe breathing difficulties and falling blood pressure. Left untreated this reaction may result in death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment by a qualified person.