Industrial Hygiene Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 30, 2025

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.

Latex has been used in many products over the years, but 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)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (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. Rarely, shock may occur, according to NIOSH; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of latex allergy.

“To help prevent certain latex exposures, some states have taken action,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “California’s Latex Glove Safety Law 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.”

To help those who suffer from latex allergy identify and mitigate their exposure on the job and in the built environment, EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing for latex and many other common allergens. They also provide sampling supplies, an easy-to-use test kit, and recently sponsored an educational video about latex allergy that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/X6BTxz7Kv68

To learn more about allergens or other occupational, environmental, health, and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. For access to allergen or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.