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Latex Alternatives

When people refer to a latex allergy, they generally mean an allergic reaction to natural latex rubber products derived from plants. Latex allergies can cause reactions as mild as contact dermatitis or as severe as anaphylactic shock. Synthetic substitutes have made life safer and more comfortable for those with latex allergies, particularly in areas where latex items seem ubiquitous like hospitals, electronic assembly clean rooms and restaurants.

  1. Silicone

    • Silicone-based products readily fill in for latex because they share latex's characteristic flexibility and shock-absorbing properties. Mouth guards, dental tools, catheters, orthopedic products and diaphragms of silicone supply all the benefits of latex rubber without the risk of allergic reaction. Silicone-based substances remain inert enough that surgeons use them as replacements for bone and cartilage within the human body; external uses of silicone, likewise, pose little risk, even to people with compromised or sensitized immune systems.

    Vinyl

    • Thin, flexible vinyl remains a viable alternative to natural latex rubber for gloves. Vinyl gloves and finger-cots tear more easily than latex, but fare better than natural latex in the presence of petrochemicals. Manufacturers market these items as vinyl or as PVC, short for polyvinyl chloride; PVC is always vinyl, but not all vinyls are PVC. However, all of them share a nonreactive nature. Vinyl will not fit as snugly as latex, but for tasks that don't require great physical dexterity, they represent an economical and practical choice for gloves and other protective wear.

    Polyurethane

    • Polyurethane, a form of plastic, can take on a wide variety of forms. Harder polyurethane products take the place of latex erasers and bumpers, while thinner and more flexible forms become gloves and condoms. Condoms and gloves made of polyurethane are thinner, but less flexible than natural latex. As with other latex alternatives, polyurethane will not provoke an allergic reaction in a person with a latex allergy.

    Mylar

    • This thin polyester film has numerous scientific, medical and household applications, but its most familiar form may be the colorful silvery shapes of decorative balloons. For children with latex allergies, mylar balloons permit festive and safe birthday celebrations. Mylar has little stretch to it, but takes a printed image well; decorative mylar balloons feature detailed images that natural latex rubber balloons could not display.

    Nitrile

    • Nitrile rubber shares almost all of the benefits of natural latex rubber except its low cost. Although nitrile rubber gloves are slightly less flexible than natural latex gloves, they have a lower coefficient of friction, making them easier to put on and remove without the need for powder. Nitrile gloves stand up better to oil-based substances that degrade natural latex. They are also less permeable to strong odors, such as that of formaldehyde or many petrochemicals.

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