Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in latex rubber. Natural latex rubber is manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shares the fact that several types of synthetic rubber are also referred to as “latex,” but these do not release the proteins that cause allergic reactions.
Latex has been used in many products over the years. These included everything from gloves, tires, condoms, rubber bands, erasers, and balloons, to bandages, medical tape, and countless other items.
Unfortunately, sensitivity to latex exposure can develop in some people. Reactions could include:
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)
• Latex Allergy (immediate hypersensitivity)
NIOSH cautions that the amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. The agency goes on to warn that increasing exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. In sensitized people, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, shock may occur according to NIOSH; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.
To help prevent certain exposures, some states have taken action. California’s Latex Glove Safety Law (SB 677) went into effect in 2020 and prohibits the use of latex gloves or utensils in all food service operations and retail food facilities. Various other states have similar bans. Some states, such as Illinois, have banned latex gloves in food service settings and in healthcare. A number of hospitals and medical centers have also stopped using latex gloves and other medical latex products.
In 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule banning powdered gloves (Powdered Surgeon's Gloves, Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon's Gloves) based on the unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to individuals exposed to the powdered gloves. The risks to both patients and health care providers when internal body tissue is exposed to the powder include severe airway inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions.
These are just a few of the many things to know about latex allergy and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
CTSI ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in latex rubber. Natural latex rubber is manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shares the fact that several types of synthetic rubber are also referred to as “latex,” but these do not release the proteins that cause allergic reactions.
Latex has been used in many products over the years. These included everything from gloves, tires, condoms, rubber bands, erasers, and balloons, to bandages, medical tape, and countless other items.
Unfortunately, sensitivity to latex exposure can develop in some people. Reactions could include:
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)
• Latex Allergy (immediate hypersensitivity)
NIOSH cautions that the amount of latex exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown. The agency goes on to warn that increasing exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic symptoms. In sensitized people, symptoms usually begin within minutes of exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, shock may occur according to NIOSH; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.
To help prevent certain exposures, some states have taken action. California’s Latex Glove Safety Law (SB 677) went into effect in 2020 and prohibits the use of latex gloves or utensils in all food service operations and retail food facilities. Various other states have similar bans. Some states, such as Illinois, have banned latex gloves in food service settings and in healthcare. A number of hospitals and medical centers have also stopped using latex gloves and other medical latex products.
In 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule banning powdered gloves (Powdered Surgeon's Gloves, Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon's Gloves) based on the unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to individuals exposed to the powdered gloves. The risks to both patients and health care providers when internal body tissue is exposed to the powder include severe airway inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions.
These are just a few of the many things to know about latex allergy and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
CTSI ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
