10 Worst Plants for Your Allergies
Latex Allergy: 'A Balloon Could Kill Me'
Liz Knight can no longer read a newspaper or touch the buttons on her remote controls, because they both contain latex
Balloons are a common sight at children's birthdays, weddings, restaurants and shops. But Liz Knight has spent most of her life avoiding them because coming into contact with one could kill her.
As a child, Liz was allergic to dust, animal hair and feathers. By the age of 12, doctors found she was also allergic to human hair. Her long blonde ponytail was duly cut off into a short, cropped style that wouldn't cause any irritation.
It didn't stop there - the extent of her allergies only grew and some of her earliest memories involve being isolated because of them.
"We went to visit a relative when I was four; I think it was an aunt or a great-aunt of mine. She had a budgie - everyone seemed to have them in the 60s and 70s - and I was really bad with any type of feathers.
"I can remember we parked up in the drive, my parents went in with my two sisters, and I couldn't go in. The budgie meant I had to stay in the car on my own. It made me feel very left out - I couldn't do what normal people do."
Liz had to have her long blonde hair chopped off
Liz, from Paignton in Devon, has suffered with irritated skin her whole life. In her 20s, her eczema got infected and led to septicaemia, which left her hospitalised for weeks. But it wasn't until the 1990s, when she was at a fair with her family, that she suspected a latex allergy.
"One of my daughters handed me a handful of these great, big, thick helium balloons and asked me if I could hold them while she ran off to do something. I must have touched my face after holding them because that's when this dramatic swelling started."
Liz, now 56, believes she developed the allergy by repeated exposure to latex from going to the doctors so much, which exposed her already fragile skin to the material.
Her everyday life has been impacted in a multitude of ways. She can no longer read a newspaper, because the ink contains latex. It is the same with the buttons on remote controls, the handle of her carving knife, her blender, mixer and hairdryer, all of which are covered with cling film so she can still use them.
Whenever there are road-works nearby, Liz has to keep her doors and windows closed because the road surface also contains latex. She says she often feels like a prisoner in her own home.
"I often feel trapped. Sometimes I stay at home for up to a week, just because it's safe."
She has to cover her remote controls with cling film because the buttons contain latex
Then four years ago, Liz got confirmation of what she was dreading: her latex allergy had gone airborne. She had walked into a shop with her husband during the winter and her lips instantly swelled and she broke out in hives.
"I went straight back outside and said, 'I don't know what's in there, but something's making me feel really bad'."
They looked back and saw six balloons tied around a stand at the back of the shop. In that case, the latex proteins had been circulating through the heating system. But Liz's allergy is so severe that even if a room has had a balloon in it in the past 48 hours - especially if it has popped - she might have a severe reaction because the latex proteins could still be in the air.
Most reactions cause her to start sweating, her lips swell and she has a feeling of "impending doom". She can normally handle the symptoms by leaving the area, going outside and letting herself recover - although it can take hours to get back to normal.
What is a latex allergy?
Source: NHS, British Association of Dermatologists, Globalaai
One recent reaction at her home, however, was more extreme, and left her in serious trouble.
"A few months ago I made a sweet and sour dish using a sachet that had 2% pineapple juice. Within about 15 minutes of eating it I could feel my tongue swelling, and then my throat started going a bit funny. My tongue was getting worse and worse."
Tropical fruits have proteins that are almost identical to the latex protein, and often produce a very similar reaction. She used her Epipen, a self-administered injection of adrenaline which slows the effects of allergic reactions.
Liz was monitored in hospital for several hours to make sure she didn't have a biphasic reaction - a delayed reaction comparable to the aftershocks following an earthquake - and ultimately the symptoms died down.
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Liz's allergies have had an effect on many aspects of her mental health. Her social circle has "drastically shrunk" and she had to quit an exercise group she attended for years because of the latex in mats, trainers and aerosol sprays.
She has also had to give up her work at a pharmacy due to repeated reactions which were endangering her health, and now feels guilty that she can't contribute financially at home.
Despite all of this, Liz says she's determined not to let her latex allergy completely take over her life. "I can walk, I can do and see things, and I've got to be grateful for the things I do have."
Liz regularly breaks out in hives when she has a reaction
Globalaai was formed in 2016 after its founder, Dr Pooja Newman, had an anaphylactic shock at a concert in Melbourne. A surprise balloon drop left her in intensive care for nearly a week and inspired her to raise awareness of latex allergies around the world.
While recovering, she made a Facebook page to tell her story and the non-profit organisation was founded.
"Part of the reason for this charity is to recognise the trauma people suffer as a result of an anaphylactic event and the issues around feeling discriminated or not included in everyday life," said Dr Newman.
The organisation has developed Epipen stations in public places and has supported the ban of latex gloves in food preparation in several US states, as well as a proposed restriction of balloons in public spaces in Australia.
Liz's work with the group has seen progress in Paignton, with many shops changing their practices on her advice. While recognising the many ways in which her allergies limit her life, Liz's outlook remains positive.
"When it feels really unfair I get a bit depressed about it I suppose, but there's always that feeling that it could be worse. I try to talk to as many people as possible about latex allergies. The more people that know about it, the more things can change.
"I'm determined not to let allergies take away everything in my life, and I'll work to improve things, not just for me, but for other people as well."
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After Testing Work Gloves, This Is The Pair We Use Daily
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Good work gloves protect laboring hands from discomfort and injury, though not all projects pose the same risks. After over 30 hours of testing 14 pairs of work gloves, we evaluated each for fit, flexibility, grip, cut and puncture resistance, water resistance, and cold protection to find the best options for various tasks.
Choosing the right gloves for work can be tough, as many are task specific. The Ironclad Ranchworx working gloves were our top pick for general hand protection in various conditions. They fit well; feature durable materials with reinforced stress points; and shielded our hands from scrapes, cuts, puncture wounds, and blisters during testing.
When you need to wear work gloves, consider the features you need. For building a new deck, heavy-duty construction gloves protect against cuts and splinters, while insulation and water resistance are important. Whatever your project, we have the right work gloves for you.
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila Testing Stats Products tested 14 Time spent testing 30 hours Tests performed 6 Price range $8 to $35 Our Top Picks The work gloves we chose had to be durable enough to resist tearing during the work they were designed to do. We also paid attention to fit and comfort. Check out our findings below.
Best Overall for Men Ironclad Ranchworx Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product SpecsThese Ironclad Ranchworx work gloves were impressive right out of the package. They come with a lot of extras, including multiple rows of overstitching for durability. They fit well, although the fingers seemed slightly narrow compared with other gloves of the same size. We found them especially comfortable due to their lack of inner seams through the fingertips.
We really liked the Kevlar strip sewn in the web between the index finger and the thumb—it's a stressor spot on work gloves, especially when they're used for gripping and pulling. The Ranchworx gloves didn't stretch or tear. We also appreciated the rubber-reinforced knuckle and finger-top insets that offered impact and scrape protection for our knuckles. The black terry cloth strips on the back of the thumbs came in handy for wiping away forehead sweat as we conducted our tests in temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get the Ironclad Ranchworx work gloves at Amazon or Lowe's.
Best Overall for Women Ironclad Tuff Chix Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product SpecsIronclad's Tuff Chix gloves are designed for smaller hands and don't offer knuckle guards or Kevlar strips. However, they provide a padded leather palm and an absorbent terry cloth thumb strip to wipe away sweat on hot days. Plus, the breathable nylon fabric on the back kept our hands from getting sweaty.
The Tuff Chix ran pretty much true to size, but we weren't thrilled with the inside finger seams, which were slightly irritating. We found the gloves well suited to performing outdoor tasks like raking, mowing, digging with a shovel, and hammering. They held up well and didn't stretch out or tear, although they're not suitable for pruning plants such as roses because the backs of the gloves (and side finger gussets) are fabric, allowing the thorns to poke right through. We rate them as moderate-duty work gloves.
Get the Ironclad Tuff Chix work gloves at Amazon or Ironclad.
Best Bang for the Buck Wells Lamont 1164 HydraHyde Leather Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 4.5/5; Functionality 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product SpecsGood leather gloves remain popular for their durability and comfort, which only improves with wear. Wells Lamont HydraHyde 100 percent grain cowhide leather work gloves offer water resistance, reinforced palms, and double stitching at stress points around the thumb and index finger for extended wear. These gloves feel like they are built to last for years but sell for less than many of the trendy synthetic and hybrid work gloves.
We used them in the yard, hand pulling thorny blackberry canes before splitting and stacking firewood. Despite a slightly short finger fit and a misaligned wrist strap, they provided solid protection against thorns and splinters along with a secure grip. In our water resistance test, water beaded on the surface for about 15 seconds before seeping through. After a minute, the gloves were wet, but our hands stayed dry. They're not fully waterproof, but they're good leather gloves for working in damp weather nonetheless.
Get the Wells Lamont 1164 work gloves at Amazon, Blain's Farm & Fleet, or Rural King.
Best for Hot Weather Youngstown Glove Co. Hybrid Plus Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product SpecsThe Youngstown Glove Company's Hybrid Plus work gloves feature reinforced goatskin leather on the palm and a breathable polyester/nylon blend on the back, offering both durability and comfort during our late summer yard cleanup. The slip-fit cuff made them easy to pull on and off, and they were light enough to carry in a back pocket.
The fit was extremely comfortable, with smooth inner seams and free movement. We appreciated the quilted palm and padded knuckles, as well as the reinforced fingertips and stress points for added durability without extra bulk. The gloves allowed us to easily and safely operate tools ranging from weed eaters and leaf blowers to chainsaws and pruners. While effective for most tasks, a few thorns did manage to penetrate the goatskin when pulling blackberry canes.
Get the Youngstown Glove Company work gloves at Amazon, JB Tools, Construction Tool Warehouse, or Youngstown Glove Company.
Best for Cold Weather Ergodyne ProFlex 850 Freezer Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product SpecsCold-weather work gloves must provide warmth, breathability, flexibility, and durability. The Ergodyne ProFlex 850 freezer gloves, designed for cold storage work, feature a nylon shell, neoprene cuff, silicone pattern grip, and 5.3 ounces of insulation. These thermal work gloves are rated for use in temperatures between -5 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit, although individual comfort will vary.
After keeping the insulated work gloves in a subzero freezer overnight, the synthetic materials remained pliable and provided a good range of motion. We tested the insulation by holding freezer packs for 15 minutes, and our hands stayed warm.
To test durability, we loaded and stacked firewood. The splinters snagged some of the threads around the fingers and palm, but overall, the gloves held up well, and the silicone grip area was unaffected. However, the gloves aren't puncture-resistant, and a few pokes got through. They're also not water-resistant, as they absorbed moisture during our testing, so they're best suited for dry conditions or fair weather.
Get the Ergodyne work gloves at Amazon, Global Industrial, or Grainger.
Best Waterproof Wells Lamont Waterproof Winter Grip Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 4.7/5; Functionality 4.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product SpecsThe Wells Lamont Winter Grip gloves boast a silky-soft lining and a snug fit—so much so that we suggest sizing up. In our cold-resistance test, we wrapped the HydraHyde gloves in frozen gel ice packs and checked them in 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes. While they cooled slightly, they remained comfortable. Designed for wet conditions, these gloves were among the warmest we tested
We dipped the gloves' fingers in ice water to test their water resistance, taking care not to lower them past the gray latex coating. After a minute, the interior remained dry with no leaks. The thin latex coating provides good grip but isn't suited for heavy-duty tasks that might tear it. We feel the HydraHyde gloves would be the best waterproof work gloves for tasks such as scraping ice from car windows or the occasional snowball fight.
Get the Wells Lamont Winter Grip work gloves at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Blain's Farm & Fleet.
Best Leather Magid T-Rex Flex Series TRX818 Leather Impact Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 4.5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product SpecsThe Magid T-Rex Flex Series TRX818 work gloves provide professional-grade safety features with a comfortable range of motion thanks to a grain goatskin shell, puncture-resistant high-performance polyethylene fabric liner, and impact-resistant thermoplastic rubber panels on the back of the hand and fingers.
These heavy-duty gloves impressed us during tests off-loading construction debris that contained a mix of metal roofing scraps, splintered lumber, and old hardware. While we made sure to follow normal safety precautions, the woven fabric liner prevented at least one rusty nail from penetrating all the way through the glove. The goatskin was pliable, and the liner let the gloves slide on and off easily, even with sweaty hands.
The only critique we had was that the fingers were notably short relative to palm dimensions, reducing dexterity. Otherwise, the gloves were quite comfortable. Consider ordering a size larger than normal, especially if your fingers are longer than average.
Get the Magid work gloves at Amazon or Magid Glove.
Best Touch-Screen Tips Custom Leathercraft Flex Grip Handyman Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 4.7/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product SpecsCustom Leathercraft Flex Grip Handyman work gloves offer protection, comfort, and flexibility, making them great for yard work, carpentry, and automotive projects. While we wish the leather were genuine for added durability, the synthetic material still performs well. These gloves stood out for their reliable touch-screen tips on the thumb, index, and middle fingers, allowing easy and reliable smartphone use.
The faux-leather palms provide excellent protection stiffness, and the stretchy backs with padded knuckles add even more comfort. The adjustable wing-strap cuff closures offer a secure fit on a wide range of wrist sizes. While the interior finger seams are noticeable, they become less so with wear. The padded palms are useful for tasks like mowing and shoveling, though these gloves are light-to-medium duty. A nail easily poked through the synthetic leather during testing, but the touch-screen capability makes them appealing for anyone who wants to use their smartphone without removing their gloves.
Get the Custom Leathercraft work gloves at Amazon or CLC Work Gear.
Best for Mechanics Mechanix Wear M-Pact Gray Work Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 4.5/5; Functionality 4.7/5; Durability 4.7/5; Value 4.5/5
Product SpecsThe Mechanix Wear M-Pact gray work gloves provide excellent protection from cuts, abrasions, vibration, impact, and pinching, making them ideal for mechanical work. We found them comfortable and well suited for tasks like working on automobiles and mowers. The rubber knuckle pads effectively protected our hands from scrapes in tight spaces.
These work gloves feature vibration-absorbing palm pads and adjustable Velcro straps for a custom fit for your wrist. While the gloves are designed to work with touch screens, activating the screens often required multiple swipes. It was simpler to pull the gloves off and use our bare fingers.
The small interior finger seams were noticeable but not too bothersome, thanks to the generous finger length. We tested the gloves for various tasks like twisting bars, tightening and loosening knobs, and changing oil. We like them for mechanic work, but because they don't have a nonslip grip, they're not well suited for shoveling, raking, and other outdoor tasks.
Get the Mechanix Wear work gloves at Amazon, Lowe's, or AutoZone.
Best for Gardening Skydeer Deerskin Suede Ladies Gardening Gloves See ItOur Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product SpecsWho said protective work gloves have to look dull? These stylish Skydeer gloves are made of flexible nylon and soft deerskin, and when we pulled them on, they fit perfectly. These gardening gloves feature reinforced stitching for durability, and although they do have seams inside the fingers, they're so soft that they're barely noticeable.
The gloves are advertised for gardening use, so we used them while planting and weeding flower beds. We poured a little water on the back of the gloves to test the claims of waterproofing, but while some of the water ran off, a good amount soaked through.
We liked the padded palms, which added some comfort for gripping hand trowels and rakes, and we enjoyed the lightweight feel of the gloves. They're very flexible and do not constrict movement. However, they are light-duty gloves and will not prevent pricks from thorns.
Get the Skydeer work gloves at Amazon.
How We Tested the Best Work GlovesWe tested a variety of glove types for outdoor tasks, considering both well-known brands like Wells Lamont and Magid as well as smaller manufacturers that offered key features. To ensure a broad selection, we included options for men and women in materials like leather, faux leather, cowhide, goatskin, latex, nitrile, and spandex for durability and flexibility.
Each pair was inspected before and after testing to evaluate the quality of the materials and construction. We graded them on a rubric, awarding points for durability, function, comfort, and overall quality, using a real work setting to assess comfort and dexterity. Additional tests were designed for specific features, such as checking touch-screen compatibility with swipes and taps and determining puncture resistance by pruning rose bushes. After testing, we tallied the points to choose the best gloves in each category.
What to Consider When Choosing Work GlovesWork gloves must meet certain requirements to prevent discomfort and injury during landscaping, DIY projects, and everyday tasks. Here are some important considerations when shopping for the best work gloves.
Types of Work GlovesWork gloves come in various materials and styles, each suited to different tasks. Owning multiple types can help you tackle a variety of projects around the house and yard. The following are the most common types of work gloves.
All-LeatherFor heavy-duty jobs such as metalworking, cutting lumber, or electrical repairs or installations, all-leather work gloves offer excellent protection from temperature extremes, minor electrical shocks, punctures, and abrasions, all while keeping paint, oil, and chemicals off your skin.
The best leather work gloves are often made of cowhide, although there are also pig and deerskin gloves. There are great vegan and synthetic leather options, too. Leather gloves come in two main types: split leather, which is the heaviest duty and the most resistant to moisture, and grain leather, which is softer and smoother, giving users more dexterity.
Leather-PalmThese gloves have leather on the palm and fingers but use fabric on the back, allowing hands to move more easily than all-leather gloves do. However, they still provide good protection from blisters, temperature extremes, and abrasions during less demanding tasks such as moving wood, doing yard work, using power tools, or tackling simple construction jobs.
KnitLightweight knit work gloves, generally made of cotton or cotton/poly blends, are very stretchy for comfortable wear. These gloves are useful while painting, doing light yard work, and carrying out simple household repairs. They'll help prevent blisters or minor scrapes, but they don't offer the rugged protection of leather or canvas gloves.
Latex and NitrileLatex and its synthetic version, nitrile (suitable for those with latex allergies), are very lightweight and allow easy movement of fingers and palms. Both materials also offer a slightly tacky grip that makes it easier to hold onto wet or smooth surfaces.
However, neither offers very good protection against blisters or scrapes, so they are best suited for messy but mild chores such as painting, pulling weeds, potting plants, or working with potentially irritating cleaning chemicals.
Women's vs. Men's Work GlovesThe main differences between men's and women's work gloves are size and fit. Women's sizes are traditionally smaller, whereas men's sizes run slightly larger. With most brands, women's glove sizes come in sizes S to L, while men's sizes typically come in S to 3XL.
However, unisex sizing can be difficult to parse. Most brands will size their unisex gloves slightly larger to accommodate men's sizes. Many brands also offer kids' sizes.
Size OptionsToo-tight work gloves don't allow for a full range of motion, but gloves that are too loose slip and slide, which can be dangerous. Ideally, gloves fit snugly around the fingers and palms without squeezing, rubbing, or pinching.
Sizing corresponds to the measurement across the palm at the base of the fingers, without including the thumb. Sizes aren't standard, so be sure to measure and double-check the manufacturer's sizing guide.
ProtectionIn most cases, heavy-duty tasks require gloves that will not wear and tear easily but cushion hands enough to prevent abrasions, vibration, harmful materials, and cuts. For example, the best mechanics' gloves resist punctures and tears as well as water, oils, gasoline, and other corrosive materials. Plus, top-quality gloves protect hands from extreme heat or provide insulation for winter work.
Many work gloves have protective features, such as nitrile exteriors, real and faux-leather construction, waterproofing shells, reinforced palms and fingers, and double-stitched seams.
Dexterity and ComfortTrying to complete a project wearing ill-fitting gloves is often an exercise in futility. And because insulation can trap body heat, gloves that don't breathe can cause hands to sweat, which can be uncomfortable or downright dangerous during winter.
GripProtecting hands is about more than just covering them in thick, durable materials. Gloves need to be functional, allowing hands to move freely instead of getting caught on sharp edges or causing the user to drop tools. Flexibility helps users grip tools, large objects, and other items because hands are better able to move as they would without a glove.
Additional FeaturesIn addition to the essential material matters, consider the following other features when choosing work gloves.
Work gloves have improved over decades to incorporate better stitching, different materials, and cold-weather protection like that found in heated gloves. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about work gloves.
Q. Which type of work gloves last the longest?Leather work gloves are considered to last the longest because of their durable, thick construction and ample safety features.
Q. Which gloves do mechanics use?Mechanics often use nitrile and leather gloves. These options are durable and flexible, offering abrasion and vibration resistance while also providing enough dexterity to hold small tools and parts.
Q. What is the toughest material for work gloves?Some of the toughest materials for heavy-duty tasks are nitrile, latex, and leather. These materials are hard enough to resist abrasions, cuts, and punctures while also keeping out harmful materials and liquids.
Q. Are expensive work gloves worth it?To a point, the cost reflects both materials and quality. The cheapest work gloves are made of lightweight materials; the fit will not be great, and they only provide the most basic hand protection. They are considered "disposable." More expensive work gloves last longer, fit better, and offer better protection.
Q. How often should you change your gloves at work?For food service work, dispose of old gloves, wash your hands, and put on a new pair of gloves after 4 hours of continuous use to prevent the buildup and spread of bacteria. In construction trades, DIY projects, yard work, and the like, it's a matter of hand comfort and glove integrity. Change your gloves when they are no longer comfortable or when they no longer offer the protection you need.
Q. Should work gloves be tight or loose?Work gloves should fit closely without gaps at the fingertips or around the wrists while allowing free range of finger movement.
Q. How do you break in stiff work gloves?Apply a liberal coating of leather conditioner or mink oil on the outside of the gloves, then wear them. The best way to break in stiff gloves is to consistently wear them while working. Reapply conditioner or oil as needed to keep the leather supple.
Q. Are you supposed to wash work gloves?Regardless of the glove type, keeping them clean is one way to ensure a long working life. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most synthetic work gloves and some leathers may be machine washed, but some require different cleaning treatments.
Meet the TestersAs co-owner of a general contracting company, Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the green industry. He's also an avid DIYer who lives in an older home. When he isn't writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.
Additional research provided by Michelle Ullman and Bob Beachman.
Today's Allergy Report
Allergy report and forecast for Austin, Texas and surrounding areas.
Author: Hunter Williams (KVUE), Jordan Darensbourg, Grace Thornton, Shane Hinton
Published: 9:18 AM CST March 7, 2019
Updated: 3:51 AM CDT October 4, 2024
Elm 83 gr/m3 High, Grass 179 gr/m3 High, Ragweed 425 gr/m3 High, Mold Very High with Alternaria
This allergy count was last updated Friday, October 4th, 2024
Samples are usually reported in grains per cubic meter of air. Air samples are collected daily outside the KVUE studios using an air sampler designed specifically for this purpose. The numbers reflect the most recent reading, usually updated by 9 a.M. Each weekday. Readings are taken on the weekends as well, but may be updated later in the day.
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