An Allergy Problem that Grew

Although the realization that some people are allergic to certain components found in natural rubber latex first came in 1933, it wasn't until the mid- to late 1980s that the allergy problem began to gain momentum.

This change was the direct result of increased exposure to natural rubber latex, particularly among health care workers, through the mandated use of natural rubber latex gloves for protection against AIDS. Demand for natural rubber latex gloves soared following the publication of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Standard for Bloodborne Pathogens in 1991.

In many cases, the natural rubber latex used had even more allergenic components than previously due to the proliferation of small, tertiary manufacturers entering the market to meet the demand. Health care workers, some patients, and even the public in general, were more exposed to natural rubber latex. The cumulative effect began to register in more cases of allergic reaction and natural rubber latex sensitivity.

Antigenic proteins are now recognized as the major cause of allergic and sensitization reactions to natural rubber latex, especially among health care workers and patients, children with spina bifida, rubber workers, and others who regularly come into contact with natural rubber latex products.

Vytex™ Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) was developed to answer this critical need for a low antigenic protein (latex-safe) raw material. Vytex NRL retains the desirable attributes of natural rubber latex with reduced antigenic proteins.