British Thoracic Society Clinical Statement on occupational asthma
common latex products :: Article Creator A Little More Love For Latex There are more than 40,000 types of commercial products that are made from natural rubber latex (NRL), an extract of the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Valued for its desirable properties, NRL is used in numerous products in the medical industry, including latex gloves, adhesive bandages, catheters, breather bags, and condoms. However, out of more than 200 proteins contained within NRL, 13 are known to be allergens. The American Latex Allergy Association estimates that 3% of the general population and 17% of healthcare workers exhibit some form of latex allergy, thus hindering the use of such products. Fortunately, a solution exists for removing the antigenic proteins that can cause such immune responses. It involves the addition of aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)3, a well-known protein-binding chemical, to NRL while it is still in liquid form. This compound acts as a bindi...