There are many substances foreign to the human body called allergens that can cause an allergy. Protective antibodies result from the invasion of the body by viruses or other germs. This allergic response is often genetic and occurs in up to 20 percent of the population, although under appropriate circumstances usually non-allergic individuals may be induced to have allergies. The presence of specific antibodies to natural rubber latex only demonstrates that sensitization has occurred and does not indicate which sensitized individuals will react to latex exposure. For example an allergic reaction to bananas may also indicate an allergy to natural rubber protein.
Some allergies develop more extreme reactions over time and frequency of exposure.
Latex is defined as both natural and synthetic rubber. Latex is a processed product of natural rubber, which contains proteins, lipids, nucleotides, and cofactors. Latex can be found in over 40,000 products. Among persons with mild forms of latex allergy there is no way to predict who will develop serious or life threatening reactions in the future. Gloves that use powder for lubrication have an increased risk of causing allergic reactions over powder-free gloves.