Topics: Allergies : Latex

Allergy to natural rubber latex results from the sensitization to proteins found in the sap from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Natural rubber latex is a common component in medical devices, such as gloves, but it can also be found in consumer products, such as balloons. Over the last 10 years, the FDA has received numerous reports of allergic reactions to products containing natural rubber latex. Some of those reports include irritant dermatitis, allergy to the chemicals used in the processing of natural rubber latex, anaphylactic reactions, and even fatalities.