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Latex Paint and Allergies

Latex paint has been used for years in houses and for commercial use. The latex contained in paint is not the same as the latex used in rubber gloves or balloons. However, allergy sufferers can still react, or have sensitivities to latex paint as well.

  1. Considerations

    • The latex in paint is synthetic, unlike the natural rubber used in products such as surgical gloves. The body does not produce immunoglobulin antibodies to fight paint latex. Therefore, there are no allergic reactions. Instead, people have non-allergic sensitivities to certain chemicals in the latex paint.

    Types of Chemicals

    • Allergy sufferers can experience symptoms from certain chemicals that are found in latex paint like formaldehyde, ammonia, amines and free monomers, according to Latexallergylinks.org: "Is Latex Paint Harmful to Latex Allergy Sufferers?"

    Other Types of Chemicals

    • Allergy sufferers can also react to the pigments, acrylics, polymers and vinyl acetate that are in latex paint.

    Effects

    • People with allergic rhinitis have inflamed mucus membranes, which may make them more sensitive to chemicals. Symptoms can include eye irritation, respiratory problems, dizziness, nausea and even vomiting.

    Warning

    • Most latex paint contains the solvent, ethylene glycol, which is considered a toxic substance. Allergy sufferers, or those with chemical sensitivities, may react negatively to this substance.

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