Latex is used in a large number of products Latex or natural rubber is the substance obtained from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. After the addition of preservatives and stabilisers, it is dipped into a mould, then heated and dried. Further chemicals are added for strength and durability, including mercaptobenzothiazole, thiurams and carbamates. Allergic reactions can occur to latex protein as well as the chemicals added to it, but not to cornstarch itself. However, latex allergen sticks to the surface of cornstarch particles which, when airborne, will spread latex allergen.
Many commercial products contain natural rubber latex.
These include bandages, baby bottle teats, baby dummies, rubber bands, clothing elastic, rubber toys, rubber grips and a wide range of medical equipment. By contrast to natural latex rubber, synthetic rubber is produced from petrochemicals, and does not contain allergenic latex proteins. The result is itching and hives after wearing rubber gloves, or itchy swollen lips, face or tongue after blowing up balloons. Others will develop irritation after wearing a condom, inserting a diaphragm for contraceptive purposes or after visiting the dentist or hairdresser and coming into contact with latex. Sometimes breathing troubles can occur as well as itchy eyes or nose.