Latex is a common material used in daily life. It serves several purposes and used in various industries.
What is Latex?
Latex is a natural substance found in nature and comes from the rubber tree. The milky white fluid is drained from the tree; when this fluid is left to dry, it becomes sticky and gooey. Finally, several chemicals are added into the rubber to make the latex used for latex gloves.
Allergic Reactions to Latex
Allergic reactions to latex are quite common. Some common reactions to latex include:
- Red rashes
- Itching
- Swelling
- Eye and nose irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Shock and seizures
Latex allergies are serious and preventative measures should be taken. An allergic reaction be sudden, even if you have tested negative for latex allergies. Latex allergies are caused by proteins in natural rubber and the chemical process used to make latex gloves. For people who have allergies, it is recommend to use an alternative such as nitrile.
Where Latex Gloves are Used
Latex gloves are used in places such as hospitals and medical facilities. Hospitals use latex as a barrier against bacteria and viruses. The more it is discovered how illnesses are passed from person to person, the more cautious our society has become.
It is now commonplace for latex gloves to be used in food preparation, food handling and any service where contact is made and there is a chance for infection and disease. As protection against the spread of malicious bacteria and viruses, the employees of the US Postal service use gloves while handling our mail. In addition, auto technicians use gloves to prevent oil and grease from coming into contact with the skin – this makes for easy cleanup and prevents harmful chemicals from penetrating the skin.
