Latest Latex List
Directory of non-medical latex-free product alternativesIf you come across any new information or have information which will update this list, please write to the Latex Allergy Support Group at PO Box 27, Filey YO14 9YH
Every effort has been made by the Latex Allergy Support Group to ensure that this list is accurate and up to date. However, it is obviously incomplete, and possible that some items could be incorrectly listed. This list is intended for guidance only and is intended to assist those wishing to identify whether any non-medical product does or does not contain latex. Please do not rely entirely on this list. We would strongly advise anybody who is interested in purchasing latex free products to obtain their own verification of the latex status of any product directly from the product supplier or manufacturer.
Copyright © Latex Allergy Support Group 1998
The Latex Allergy Support Group is a registered charity (reg charity no. 1104845).
The rights of Anne Meadowcroft-Wright as author of this work, along with individual contributors, have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Index Adhesives, Airbags, Airbeds, Art and graphic supplies, Asphalt, Audio and broadcasting equipment, Baby teats &dummies/comforters/pacifiers, Bach Flower Remedies, Balloons, Balloon launches, Balls, Ballpoint pens, Bath mats, Bath plugs, Books, Bungee cords, Bungs, Cameras, binoculars, audio, TV and video equipment, Cars, Car mats and mud flaps, Carpets and underlay, Champagne corks, Chewing gum, Clogs, Computers, Confectionery wrappers, Contraceptives, Conveyor belts, Cosmetics and make up, Disposable nappies, DIY and decorating products, Doorstops and wedges, Electrical appliance flex, Elastics, Escalator handrails, Envelopes, EpiPens, Erasers, Feminine sanitary products, Floor coverings, Foam rubber, Food handled with latex gloves, Food storage bags, Food cross reactivity, Garden hoses, Gaskets, Hairdressing products, Hot water bottles, Inflatable dinghies, Inks, Insulation materials, Kitchen appliances, Lacquers, Latex glove use, Lottery scratchcards, Milking machines, Mobile phones, Modelling materials, Mousepads, Packaging, Plants, Plasters, Plaster moulding kits, Postage stamps, Printing and copying, Raincoats and wellington boots, Rubber bands, Rubber Gloves, School equipment, Shoes and footwear, Silk flowers, Socks, Spatulas, Sponge products, Sports equipment, Sticky tape and self-adhesive items, Stretch fabrics and swimsuits, T-shirts with appliqués, Thermos flasks, Tools, Toothbrush and pen grips, Toys, Truncheons, Tyres, Underwear and clothing, Upholstery, Washers.
Latex containing products in capitals.
Latex-free alternatives in lower case
Adhesives:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: COPYDEX, COW GUM, BOSTIK AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220 (which is used mainly in footwear industry and for bonding NLR clothing). SEAM-SEALING OF ENVELOPES, PAPER BAGS AND POUCHES, WRAPPERS. ENVELOPE ADHESIVES ESP. SELF-SEALING (SEE ENVELOPES). EVO-STICK FLASHBAND PRIMER, EVO-STIK RBW RUBBERISED
BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFER, RITO RBW RUBBERISED BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFER (Evode 01785 257755).
LATEX-FREE: All Bostik (Bostik 0116 2510015) products except Aquagrip, e.g. Blu-tack (synthetic polyisobutylene), PVA glues, Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive Roller (Henkel), any other consumer glues by Henkel 01606593933 (Solvite, Gloy, Unibond). Polycell wallpaper paste. Evostick Impact Adhesive, Evostick Timebond, Evo-Stik Multi Purpose Adhesive, Evo-Stik 528 Contact Adhesive, Evo-Stik 528 TX, Evo-Stik Colourseal, Evo-Stik Superstrong Standard Epoxy, Evo-Stik Superstrong Rapid Epoxy, Evo-Stik Wood Adhesive Resin 'W', Evo-Stik Wood Adhesive Resin 'W' Weatherproof, Evo-Stik Non slip Ceramic Tile adhesive, Evo-Stik Safe 80 (neoprene) (Evode 01785 257755).
Airbags:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: AIRBAGS on cars; check your own car; some are cotton/nylon, but some may contain latex
Airbeds:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: AIRBEDS AND INFLATABLE MATTRESSES, FOOTPUMPS
LATEX-FREE: Worlds Apart Ready beds (inflatable beds) – are latex free.
Art and graphic supplies: see also adhesives, erasers, sticky tapes
May CONTAIN LATEX: Paint, markers, adhesives. Copydex. Art masking fluid. self-sealing cutting boards. adhesive tape. COW GUM. ADHESIVES FOR GLITTER.
LATEX-FREE: Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive Roller (Henkel). Mars Plastic erasers (Staetdler) All Windsor & Newton products except art masking fluid (W & N 0181 427 4343). 3M Magic Tape. Letraset products (01233 641599). All Sellotape products. All Bostik products EXCEPT AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220 (Bostik 0116 2510015). Gel Gems http://www.gelgems.com/GelGems/default.asp
Asphalt:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ASPHALT is combined with ground-up tyres containing NLR. styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and neoprene are added to NLR to improve temperature sensitivity and waterproofing. nlr up to 25% weight of the total blend. when asphalt mixed or sprayed, NLR particles almost certainly aerosolised. possible that NLR proteins denatured by high temps used in the mixing of the asphalt, although it is known that asphalt has caused reactions in nlr allergic individuals. latex allergens found in tyre dust, roadside dust and air samples from los angeles area, USA. (see also tyres).
Audio and broadcasting equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: foam component of Earphones, headsets, microphones, studio sound-proofing
LATEX-FREE: Earphones, earbuds, headsets made by Philips (08003316015), Sennheiser, and SkullCandy from HMV are latex free. The cable is usually polyurethane or silicone.
Baby teats, dummies/comforters/pacifiers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX TEATS, dummies/comforters. INFANT TOOTH MASSAGERS
LATEX-FREE: Silicone teats (Boots 08450 708090). Silicone dummies/comforters only available in continental Europe, not the UK, because of EC regulations. Avent Soft Spout Trainer (Thermoplastic synthetic - Evoprene) and all Avent products except soothers and teats (Avent 0800 289064)
May be able to get latex free pacifiers and teats from MAM UK, 133 High Street, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 8HH Tel 0208 943 8880 www.mamuk.com
Bach flower remedies:
CONTAIN LATEX: RUBBER DROPPERS ON BOTTLES MAY CONTAMINATE CONTENTS
Balloons:
CONTAIN LATEX: All rubber balloons, BALLOON BALLS
LATEX-FREE: Mylar balloons, foil balloons
Also try Qualatex bubbles made of plastic, see
http://www.qualatex.com/downloads/BubblesRelease.pdf
http://www.qualatex.com/qualatexbubbles/. Tel 0800281215
Available from:GO International, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, 01438 745746
www.gointernational.co.uk
http://www.qualatex.com/downloads/BubblesRelease.pdf
http://www.qualatex.com/qualatexbubbles/. Tel 0800281215
Available from:GO International, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, 01438 745746
www.gointernational.co.uk
Balls:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Koosh and balloon balls (definately do), tennis, squash (Slazenger tennis and squash definately do), rubber, basketball, bowling. some footballs and rugby balls are moulded rubber laminate.
LATEX-FREE: Slazenger badminton shuttlecocks.
Balloon launches:
Promotional aerial outdoor balloon launches need not cause too much concern, once the balloons are airborne. The Civil Aviation Authority authorise on average 2,500 such releases a year. They advise that by far the greatest majority of the balloons go to altitude and shatter at 8,000 - 10,000ft. Only a small number survive this to return to earth, usually in open spaces or at sea. They regard the medical risk to us therefore as small and theoretical, effectively no threat to the susceptible community.
Ballpoint pens:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: someBallpoint pens (sheath coating)
LATEX-FREE: All Berol ballpoints (PVC sheath. Berol/Sanford 01553 761221). All Stabilo products are latex free. (STABILO-International The Old Barn Bennetts Close, Cippenham, Berks SL1 5AP Phone: 01753 605679 Fax http://www.stabilo.co.uk)
Bath mats:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Bath mats, non-slip latex backing.
LATEX-FREE: Boots Toddler Bath Mat. Non slip bath circles from nonslipbath.co.uk
Bath plugs:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: BATH PLUGS
LATEX-FREE: Plastic bath plugs (usually black PVC, from Homebase, etc). ‘Franke’ sinks have plugs made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Books:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: BOOK BINDINGS - SPINES.
Bungee cords:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: BUNGEE CORDS
Bungs:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: RUBBER BUNGS
Cars:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: MoTs, repairs and services may be carried out by personnel wearing latex gloves. ADVISE GARAGE BEFORE REPAIR WORK. certain rubber car components, rubber tyres.
The following example relates to all mazda vehicles (Mazda Cars UK Ltd 01892 511877) CONTAIN NLR: POWER TRAIN RELATED PARTS: MOUNT RUBBERS FOR ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL, ENGINE MOUNT MEMBER INSULATOR, DYNAMIC DAMPER. CHASSIS RELATED PARTS: SUSPENSION LINK AND ARM BUSHING, SUSPENSION MOUNT RUBBER, BUMP STOPPER, COIL SPRING SEAT RUBBER, REBOUND STOPPER, LEAF SPRING BUSHING, STEERING GEAR MOUNT RUBBER, POWER STEERING HOSE, POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR CAP SEAL RUBBER. BODY-RELATED PARTS: STOPPER RUBBERS FOR BOMMET, DOORS AND TRUNK LID, DRAIN PLUGS FOR DOORS AND BODY. AIR-CONDITIONING RELATED PARTS: CONDENSER MOUNT RUBBER INSULATOR.
LATEX-FREE:All other parts (interior parts, seats, door trims, top sealing, floor mats, weather strips, etc), NLR is not used.
Ford Focus should be latex free inside, as are Volvo, Citroen and BMW cars (but beware of rubber floor mats). BMWs have some caoutchouc inside the car, which may cause problems for some latex allergic individuals.
In general, tyres, engine mountings, suspension rubbers may be made form latex, but these are not inside the car and therefore less of a risk. Some cars may have small amounts of latex inside the car, such as washers and stoppers, eg Mazda may have a latex stopper under the ashtray, Toyota my have a latex washer in the steering system
Cameras, binoculars, audio, TV, video equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Eyepiece or operating buttons.
LATEX-FREE: Many operating buttons are silicone rubber and therefore safe. Check with manufacturer.
Car mats and mud flaps:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ALL CANNON RUBBER LTD CAR MATS, CANNON "BODYGUARD" MUD FLAPS.
LATEX-FREE: Cannon "Protec" mud flaps (plastic) (Cannon Rubber Ltd 0181 365 5724) Mazda floor mats and mud flaps (Mazda 01892 511877).
Carpets and underlay:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: TREDAIRE CARPET UNDERLAY MADE BEFORE 1973 CONTAINED SMALL QUANTITIES OF NRL. "VULCAN BAC" FOAM BACKED CARPET (Firths: Interface Europe 01484 728000)
LATEX-FREE: Cloud 9 underlays, made by Ball & Young, Causeway Road, Earlstrees, Corby, Northants Tel 01536 200502 are latex free. Since 1973, only synthetic butyl rubber has been used in Tredaire underlay (Gates Rubber Co. Ltd. 01387 242400
It is possible to get latex free leveling compounds and adhesives for use with vinyls etc – ask your supplier to check. Stopgap Green and Blue are now latex free. Arditex NA is an acrylic based leveling compound not a latex based one.
Champagne corks:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: CHAMPAGNE CORKS
Chewing Gum:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE: All Wrigleys Chewing gum products.
Clogs:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Most Birkenstock clog soles
LATEX-FREE: Birkiclog, pure PVC clog without insole (Birkenstock 0171 602 2866). Crocs.
Computers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Hardware add-ons may be installed by personnel wearing latex gloves. some mouse mats.
LATEX-FREE: Dell Inspiron laptop, keyboard (reference 005N292) and mouse (reference 00W1668) are latex free (Telephone 0800 008 006). So is the 3 button USB mouse Belkin from Imac (Tel 08705 550000 www.inmac.co.uk) and the 3M Mouse Mat (ref MS201MX), both available from Office Direct Ltd (Tel:01793 763555)
Confectionery and food wrappers:
Confectionery and food wrappers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: COLD-SEAL (OR 'FLOW-WRAPPED') WRAPPERS USE LATEX: THESE ARE USED WHEN THE PRODUCT COULD MELT IF HOT-SEALED, E.G. CHOCOLATE AND ICE-CREAM
LATEX-FREE: Cadbury's foil and band chocolate packs, e.g. 200g Dairy Milk. Chocolate Buttons packaging (acrylic polymer heat seal). Nestle and Kellogg’s use latex free adhesives. Wall’s Solero and Magnum have latex in the adhesive on the wrappers – but all other Walls products are latex free.
Contraceptives:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Condoms, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges
LATEX-FREE: Avanti non-latex condoms (Durex 0800 338 739).
Femidoms (Chartex PO Bos 4DJ, London W1A 4DJ)
Conveyor belts:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: rubber conveyor belts
LATEX-FREE: Conveyor belts used by Procter & Gamble (0191 279 2000) to make Tampax are all polyurethane. At present it is not known how typical PU conveyor belts are generally.
Cosmetics and make-up:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: APPLICATORS & SPONGES, esp. cosmetic sponges and wedges. BOOTS 2 COSMETIC SPONGES. BOOTS 4 COSMETIC SPONGES. EYE LASH CURLER, WATERPROOF MASCARA. COSMETICS MAY CONTAIN PAPAIN, A PAPAYA DERIVATIVE THAT CAN CROSS-REACT WITH LATEX. BODY SHOP COSMETICS ARE PACKED BY PERSONNEL WEARING LATEX GLOVES.
LATEX-FREE: Boots makeup and large bathroom sponges, Boots soft sponge applicator, all Ramer sponges (Boots 01159595167) Boots No.7 and 17 range cosmetics packed latex-free. Oil of Ulay Body Wash Puffs (polyethylene). Nailene false nail glue is not latex. Proctor & Gamble products (Max Factor, Oral B dental products, Gillette, Tampax)
Disposable nappies and incontinence pads:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ELASTIC AND ADHESIVE TABS. BOOTS NAPPY TABS. Boots plastic pants (latex in the elastic).
LATEX-FREE: Huggies nappies (Kleenex 0800 626008) Pampers (Proctor & Gamble 0191 279 2000) latex-free from mid-1999.
TENA incontinence pads and pants are latex free. If your usual stockist cannot supply them, try: Blushing buyer tel 08707 202027 or Mobility world tel 0870 7407772. Also, Kanga Care pants made by Hybrand are latex free, tel 08700114420
DIY and decorating products:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Rubber stamps for decorative use, latex floor screed, floor tile adhesive and grout, driveway sealant
LATEX-FREE: Most house paints are safe, but the use of the term"latex" in paint technology is confusing. It is generally used not to refer to natural rubber, but as another word for an emulsion. All Akzo Nobel (Crown) Decorative Coatings and Dulux ranges are latex-free (Akzo Nobel/Crown 01254
704951) (Dulux 01753 877981). All Polycell products latex-free (Polycell 01707 328131), even tile adhesives, fix and grout, polyfilla, heavy duty ready mixed grout, etc. Solvite, Unibond, Nitromors (Henkel 01606 593933). All paint etc products in the "International" range, eg doorstep & blackboard paint (Plascon International Ltd 01703 226722). However, it should be noted that there is a paint company
called *International*. ALL their paint CONTAINES LATEX (http://www.international-paints.co.uk/index.jsp )
called *International*. ALL their paint CONTAINES LATEX (http://www.international-paints.co.uk/index.jsp )
Door stops and wedges:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: RUBBER DOOR STOPS AND WEDGES
Dummies - see baby's teats, dummies/comforters/pacifiers
Elecrical appliances:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FLEX
LATEX-FREE: Plastic flex. Whirlpool, Zanussi, Electrolux, LG fridge freezers are latex free. Samsung may contain latex.
Elastic:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Elastic in underwear, and clothing. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS, dressmakers elastic, elastic bands.
LATEX-FREE: "Stitch and Sew" NRL-free polyester elastic (has a yellow lycra label: code 0122101) is made by Thomas Cork Ltd (0115 948 4271) and is stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury, Saver Centre and Somerfield. Cover all other ordinary latex elastic with cotton cloth or tape. Lycra, Spandex, Elastane are synthetic polymers and synthetic fibres, and do not contain NRL. However, they may combined with
other fibres (eg NRL) in the finished product and the finished product itself may therefore contain NRL. If there is some doubt re: NRL content of the finished product then the manufacturers should be contacted for further clarification. Composition labels in garments may exclude elastics and trimmings.
other fibres (eg NRL) in the finished product and the finished product itself may therefore contain NRL. If there is some doubt re: NRL content of the finished product then the manufacturers should be contacted for further clarification. Composition labels in garments may exclude elastics and trimmings.
NB JML Ironing Board Cover sold by Robert Dyas and other stores does contain latex.
Elastic bandages – may contain latex, but latex free ones are available. Some, but not all, those made by ACE are latex free: this is an ACE bandage with velcro that contains NRL -
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp13413_333181_sespider/ace/elastic_bandage__velcro_closure_3_width.htm
This one is latex-free - http://www.medicalmailorder.com/browseproducts/Ace-Elastic-Bandage--Generic--with-Velcro-Closures--4---Pack-of-10.html
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp13413_333181_sespider/ace/elastic_bandage__velcro_closure_3_width.htm
This one is latex-free - http://www.medicalmailorder.com/browseproducts/Ace-Elastic-Bandage--Generic--with-Velcro-Closures--4---Pack-of-10.html
Envelopes:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ANY ENVELOPE SEALS could contain latex. SELF-SEAL always contain latex. remoistenable seals may contain it.
LATEX-FREE: Don't lick seals- moisten with water, or stick with latex-free tape. John Dickinson remoistenable envelopes are latex-free (but not SELF-SEAL)
EpiPens:
LATEX-FREE: EpiPens
Erasers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ERASERS. berol eraser tipped pencils and block pencil erasers. some staedtler erasers, esp. block and wedge shaped and soft, cleanng erasers.
LATEX-FREE: All following are PVC based: Mars Plastic erasers (Staedtler 01443 237421). Yikes! erasers (Berol 01553 761221). Hi-Polymer Eraser (Pentel). Nice Day Eraser. All Helix erasers (Helix 01384 424441)
Escalator handrails:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Escalator handrails
Feminine sanitary pads and tampons:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: SOMEFeminine sanitary pads, tampons and pant liners. Boots ultra thin towels (contains 15% latex not in direct contact with skin),
boots ultra thin pantliner (contains less than 1% latex not in direct contact with skin). BOOTS DISPOSABLE BRIEFS (leg elastic contains 90% latex). BODYFORM PADS (the coversheet is heat bonded with latex).
LATEX-FREE: All Always products (Procter & Gamble 0800 187916). Boots Standard Pantliners, Boots Scented Pantliners, Boots Petite Press on Towels, Boots Tampons, Boots Traditional Press on Towels, Boots Protective Briefs (Boots 0115 9595167). All Kimberley Clark Kotex feminine care products (Kimberley Clark 01732 594000). The conveyor belts used by Procter & Gamble in the manufacture of Tampax are all polyurethane.
Floor coverings:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Floor coverings, carpet backing, Treadaire, mats, rubber studded flooring (eg swimming pools, gym floors), NON-slip rug grips
LATEX-FREE: Wooden floors, hessian-backed carpet with no underlay. Tredaire underlay (uses butyl non-NLR rubber)
Foam rubber: (also see upholstery)
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: FOAM RUBBER
LATEX-FREE: Synthetic foam, cellulose sponge, polyurethane foam
Mothercare mattresses – confirmed there is no latex in their childrens mattresses.
Food handled with latex gloves:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: FOOD MAY BE HANDLED WITH LATEX GLOVES BY MANUFACTURERS, DELI COUNTERS, RESTAURANTS, ETC. PARTICULARLY CHEESES, RAW MEATS, FOODS NOT COOKED OR RINSED BEFORE CONSUMING.
Some examples: Walkers Snack Foods Ltd state that although rubber gloves are used by operatives to trim waste from the potato, they go through numerous washing and preparation/cooking stages without further handling, and all conveyor belts are plastic, so latex contamination should not be a problem. Iceland say that of their 500+ factories, some are known to use latex gloves in handling.
LATEX-FREE: Bare hands, or synthetic, polythene, vinyl, PVC glove use
Food storage bags:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: FOOD STORAGE BAGS/ZIPPERED PLASTIC BAGS
LATEX-FREE: Plain plastic bags
Garden hoses:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: PARTICULARLY OLD RUBBER HOSES
LATEX-FREE: Synthetic
Gaskets:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Gaskets
LATEX-FREE: Neoprene, silicone. Synthetic gaskets are used for kitchen appliances, see kitchen appliances.
Hairdressing products:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: GLOVES USED IN SALONS FOR WASHING / COLOURING / PERMING. GLUE FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS, FALSE EYELASHES. Mason Pearson hairbrushes with rubber pad
LATEX-FREE: Nicky Clarke's Heated Flexi Stylers
Hot water bottles:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Hot water bottles
LATEX-FREE: Some transparent plastic types. Boots Extra Comfort Hot Water Bottle product number 4090640. Fashy make thermoplastic PVC hot water bottles. http://www.spiracle.net/fashy/ Tel 01202 Email: alan@fashy.co.uk
Could also try the old fashioned stone variety.
IKEA:
IKEA list all the consituents in their products (apart from the glue).
Inflatable dinghies:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: INFLATABLE DINGHIES. ESPECIALLY RUBBER TRACKS TO REINFORCE OUTER EDGES.
LATEX-FREE: Often PVC tubes are used, so dinghies without rubber buffers can be found which are NLR free.
Inks
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE: All Vanson (01908 317717) inks and Akzo Nobel (Crown)(0161 776 7600) lithography inks are latex-free, although they are misleadingly labelled “rubber-based”. This is a misnomer, and they only contain waxes, resins, vegetable oils, solvents and pigment.
Insulation materials:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: INSULATION MATERIALS
LATEX-FREE: cavity wall and loft insulation supplied from Knauf and Rockwool is mineral wool insulation and does not contain latex
Kitchen appliances:
LATEX-FREE: Latex is not able to withstand the high temperatures and is therefore unsuitable for washing machine/dishwasher/fridge/freezer seals or gaskets. Synthetic materials are usually used. Some vacuum cleaners may have latex components – Hoover have stated that the bag collar on the paper bag versions is latex. The Hoover Hurricane model does not. Dyson vacuum cleaners may contain latex.
Lacquers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LACQUERS
LATEX-FREE:
Latex glove use:
AREAS IN WHICH LATEX GLOVES MAY BE USED:Medical, dental, emergency services, first aid treatment AND BOXES, nappy changing, chiropody, general cleaning, dry cleaners, HAIRDRESSING, FOOD HANDLING INC. RESTAURANTS AND TAKEAWAYS, car repairs and servicing, WORKERS IN ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY (EG. COMPUTER COMPONENTS),
Some drugs companies (eg Pfizer) use powdered latex gloves when producing and packaging tablets and medications
Lottery scratch cards:
CONTAIN LATEX: LOTTERY INSTANT SCRATCH CARDS, DAILY MAIL SCRATCH CARDS
Milking machines:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: MILKING MACHINES
Mobile phones:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: SOME NOKIA
LATEX FREE: Samsung U600, J600, U700, G600. All Sony Ericsson models.
Modelling materials:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: AMMONIATED LATEX CONCENTRATE
Mouse pads:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: MOUSE PADS
LATEX-FREE: Office Data Ergo Mousepad. 3M Mouse Mat (ref MS201MX).
Nike Shoes:
Although Nike uses very little latex rubber in their manufacture, they cannot categorically state that any one shoe is latex free. In common with the rest of the footwear industry, latex adhesive is often used to hold the upper to the sole before stitching, but Nike are slowly phasing this out. NLR is still used in autoclave shoes where the bits of rubber are bonded in ovens (which are like the old Dunlop Green Flash) which are generally off-court tennis shoes and should be avoided by latex allergics. But latex adhesives are not used in any of their sockliners/insoles. Also, many shoes are board-lasted, meaning that there is cardboard between the wearer's foot and the shoebed, minimising any contact problems. See also sports equipment, and shoes.
Packaging:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX GLUES AND PACKAGING SEALS - Wrappers, cartons,etc (NLR forms a major part of the compound used to "cold seal" many confectionery wrappings; particularly with heat sensitive products such as chocolate; theoretically possible for trace quantities to be in contact with product). MUCH OF 3M PACKAGING.
LATEX-FREE: All Kellogg's packaging adhesives
Paints - see Art supplies or DIY
Plants:
MAY Cross-react: Poinsettia, rubber plants, Ficus species (weeping fig)
SOME BIODEGRADABLE PLANT POTS MAY BE MADE OF COIR BONDED WITH NRL.
Plasters:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: stretch Fabric Plasters, dressings and tapes (latex
binds zinc oxide to tapes). elastoplast fabric first aid dressings, adhesive bandages, paragon zinc oxide tape.
LATEX-FREE: Boots Clear, Waterproof and Hypoallergenic plasters. Micropore tape (Boots 0115 9506111). All Elastoplast products (Smith & Nephew 01482 222200) except fabric types ( but
although most of the plasters within the ELASTOPLAST range do not contain latex, the paper pouches in which they are contained, can contain traces of latex. However ELASTOPLAST Sensitive strips and ELASTOPLAST Silver Healing Sensitive Adhesive Dressing plasters are totally free from latex and are labelled accordingly). Airstrip First Aid dressings. Smith and Nephew Primapore and Opsite. All Unichem hypoallergenic plasters inc. fabric and soft stretch, including those supplied to Tesco, Safeway, Morrison, Wilkinson, Sainsbury. Robinson Healthcare/Unichem Fast Aid (inc children's) plasters. Mepore and Mepitel (http://www.directmedicalinc.com/wound/mepitel.html).
although most of the plasters within the ELASTOPLAST range do not contain latex, the paper pouches in which they are contained, can contain traces of latex. However ELASTOPLAST Sensitive strips and ELASTOPLAST Silver Healing Sensitive Adhesive Dressing plasters are totally free from latex and are labelled accordingly). Airstrip First Aid dressings. Smith and Nephew Primapore and Opsite. All Unichem hypoallergenic plasters inc. fabric and soft stretch, including those supplied to Tesco, Safeway, Morrison, Wilkinson, Sainsbury. Robinson Healthcare/Unichem Fast Aid (inc children's) plasters. Mepore and Mepitel (http://www.directmedicalinc.com/wound/mepitel.html).
Plaster moulding kits:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: PLASTER MOULDING KITS HAVE LATEX MOULDS
Postage stamps:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Closure adhesive on some stamp books.
LATEX-FREE: Postage stamp gum currently PVA glue with dextrine made from potato or maize-based starch (Royal Mail Newcastle 0191 235 3211) but no guarantees - constituents could change.
Printing and copying:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: SOME ROLLERS INSIDE MACHINES?
LATEX-FREE: All Xerox copiers and inks (Xerox: 01707 353434 / 0870 900 5501) are latex free. The copier rollers are teflon (NRL wouldn't stand the high temps) and the toner is plastic/dry ink.
Raincoats, Wellington boots:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: RUBBERISED Raincoats, WELLINGTON BOOTS, BONFIRE BOOTS
LATEX-FREE: PVC boots and rainwear
Rubber bands:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ALL RUBBER BANDS
LATEX-FREE: String! Try cutting up the fingers from an old latex free glove to make your own elastic bands. Some of the rubber bands used by dentists when providing orthodontic treatment are latex free. Latex free rubber bands can be purchased from BJR training (01420 477564, 54 Woodside Park, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0HF, http://www.bjrtraining.co.uk/store/index.php?cat_id=21 OR from AllergyBestbuys.com Ltd, Hill Top Farm, Bigley, West Yorkshire, BD16 3AF, 020 7731 5119 www.allergybestbuys.co.uk.
Rubber gloves:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ALL RUBBER GLOVES, FROM HEAVY-DUTY TO RUBBERISED GARDENING GLOVES, MARIGOLDS, TO DISPOSABLE RUBBER LATEX GLOVES, ETC.
LATEX-FREE: Vinyl, polythene or PVC gloves. Polyco's SuperGlove Skincare Silk and Velvet med. and heavy duty (PVC) and Finesse (vinyl disposable), available mail-order 0181 426 1090. Boots do own-range vinyl disposable and a PVC heavy duty glove. Marigold Futura gloves. Surgikon do mail-order powder-free vinyl disposable examination gloves, boxed in 50's, 01274 863000.
School equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ERASERS (see erasers), PE MATTING (see sports equip), PE PLIMSOLLS, RUBBER BANDS, BALLOONS,
LATEX-FREE: All Scolaquip products latex-free (01477 535868). In science labs, may need to replace tubing for Bunsen burners – try www.globalspec.com silicone tubing; www.kentelastomer.com TPE tubing; www.wabaum.com non-latex tubing ; www.magistercorp.com REP tubing; www.dunlapexport.com various options; www.tygon.com; www.lpcl.com/tubing/lab.html vinyl, silicone, polyethylene, Teflon; www.thomasnet.com tubing;
Shoes and footwear: See also Nike shoes
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Shoe soles, rubber trims, rubber shoes or boots, desert boots, MANY shoes made in china, crepe soles, plimsolls and gym pumps, NEARLY ALL Training shoe outer soleS, archpads and chiropody supplies, heel grips and insoles, STIFFENERS, Odoreaters, thongs and water shoes, footwear adhesives used in manufacture, soles of children's tapdance shoes (pvc alternatives available). CLARKS CICA TRAINERS. ALL ADIDAS SHOES CONTAIN LATEX CEMENT. HUSH PUPPIES. NEXT SHOES have latex adhesives.
LATEX-FREE: Man-made soles such as polyvinylchloride soles (PVC), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic rubber (TR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) soles. PVC boots, plastic jelly shoes. Clarks now produce an "allergy list" detailing safe styles (Clarks Customer Care 01458 443131). Note that even footwear with synthetic soles (Clarks Walking Sandals, some Clarks children's shoes & Clarks Springer sandals) may use latex adhesive to glue in the sock or insole. Many latex allergics can wear most shoes without too much difficulty, but if you are reacting, the lowest risk is unlined footwear with leather insole and non-rubber sole unit, or as a last resort having footwear made to individual specification by bespoke shoemakers. Scholl designs “Adele” and “Rhodes” are entirely latex-free. Most Nike trainers, but not walking shoes, are latex-free – but check before you buy. Nike Total 90 III football boots for Astroturf are latex-free. Crocs are latex free. Some LASG members find Birkenstocks don’t cause any reactions. Green Shoes in Totness, www.greenshoes.co.uk, can make shoes free from many common allergens. Try also Ethical wares (01929 480360) and Vegetarian Shoes (01273 691913) if you have problems with some of the chemicals used in tanning leather. Marks and Spencer are listing on most of their shoes what the constituents of the upper and sole are, but there is no indication of the glue used.
Wellington boots – some are latex, others are synthetic rubbers such as PVC or butyl. Dunlop make some non latex wellies – you can order from their website. The very shiny or brightly coloured wellies are oftern PVC. The retailer should be able to check with the supplier before you buy – if they can’t / won’t, go elsewhere!
See entry under Nike.
Crocs branded sandals are latex free.
Silk flowers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: SILK FLOWERS - LATEX COVERED STEMS
Socks:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Socks
LATEX-FREE: Most of Marks and Spencers socks are now latex-free, but check with Head Office for product details. (Marks & Spencer 0171 268 1234)
Spatulas:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: rubber-ended spatulas
LATEX-FREE: Wooden, plastic, synthetic.
Sponge products:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: BOOTS 2 COSMETIC SPONGES AND BOOTS 4 COSMETIC WEDGES DO CONTAIN LATEX.
LATEX-FREE: Boots Baby sponges, Splash and Learn Sponges, Boots soft sponge applicator, Boots large bathroom sponges (Boots 01159595167), all Ramer sponges.
Sports equipment: (also see balls, shoes and footwear, Nike shoes)
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: WATER TOYS, SWIM HATS, swimsuits, locker number bands, THONGS, verruca socks, GOGGLES, NOSE CLIPS, WET SUITS, SCUBA/SNORKEL EQUIPMENT, BUNGEE CORDS, TABLE TENNIS BATS, GOLF CLUBS, ALUMINIUM BASEBALL BATS, RACQUET/BAT HANDLES, SKI POLES, BALLS, SAILING EQUIPMENT, MOTORCYCLE HEADGEAR, BICYCLE HANDLEBARS, TYRES, PUNCTURE REPAIR KITS, PEDALS. floor matting (GYMNASTICS,ETC) usually has latex non-slip underside. ALL KAY METZLER AND CONTINENTAL SPORTS MATS HAVE LATEX (SPRAYED ON THEN COMBED) ON BASE. ALL adidas goallie gloves have latex on palms. all raleigh bicycles have nrl in handlebars. All slazenger/dunlop tennis balls do contain latex in outer coating. Tennis racquet handles amy contain NRL.
LATEX-FREE: PVC, butyl rubber, EVA foam, polyethylene, silicone, vinyl, neoprene or plastic alternatives, replacement polyurethane grips.
Very lightweight foam/sponge products such as swim buoyancy aids are synthetic (usually polyethylene). Flexibeam swimming aids do not contain any latex (tel 01753 251 024 for further details). Speedo make a silicone swim cap and some of their goggles are latex free. Speedo Glade and Quest snorkelling mask
and snorkels are latex free (tel 0845 8508582).
Gymnastic matting usually synthetic PU or polyethylene based chipfoam interior, with PVC or vinyl covers, but beware of LATEX BASE (Kay Metzler 0161 343 1200, Continental Sports 01484 542051). Latex free floor mats can be obtained from Eveque Leisure, Dock Road, Cheshire tel 01606 45611. The Lotus Eco yoga mat is latex free (www.yogamad.com/mats_studio.php)
Netballs, general playground balls etc can be obtained from Davies Sport, Findel House, Excelsior Rd, Ashby Park, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE 65 1NG, www.davisports.co.uk, tel 0845 1204 515 and ask for Andy. (This company actually have a latex free list available, although it is a bit confusing at the moment.) Nike Total 90 III football boots for Astroturf are latex-free. Astroturf is also latex free. Football ‘goalie’ gloves often contain latex, but Sondico’s International style (Boys & Youths sizes only) could be latex free.
Sticky tape and self-adhesive items:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: STICKY TAPE, STICKERS, PARCEL TAPE, LABELS. MOST WILL CONTAIN LATEX..
LATEX-FREE: Pritt Roller Fix (Henkel). Scotch Magic Tape. 3M (0990 360036) Magic Tape. All Sellotape products including Invisible, Crystal and Diamond Tapes (acrylic) and Sellotape Original (synthetic rubber) (Sellotape 01582 478111). 3M Post It notes.
Stretch fabrics and swimsuits:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Some stretch fabrics
LATEX-FREE: Elastane, Spandex, Lycra.
T-Shirts with Appliqués:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: T-SHIRTS WITH APPLIQUES
LATEX-FREE: Marks & Spencer childrenswear transfers.
Thermos flasks:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Rubber seals
LATEX-FREE: All rubber seals in Thermos brand flasks.
Tools with rubber handles:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Tools with rubber handles
LATEX-FREE: Vinyl, leather or synthetic handles, or cover with tape.
Toothbrush and pen grips:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Toothbrush and pen grips, INFANT TOOTH MASSAGERS
LATEX-FREE: Colgate Total (synthetic: Colgate 01483 464516). Oral B (Quote from Oral B A thorough review of Oral-B's extensive consumer and professional product lines has been performed. It has been determined that none of Oral-B's chemical or mechanical products contain any form of latex, with the exception of the gun stimulator tips supplied with our now obsolete Interclean product. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on FREEPHONE 0800 716434. Andrew Brown Consumer Relations Department)
Toys:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: TEETHING TOYS, RUBBER BALLS, DRUMS, KOOSH BALLS, TOY CAR WHEELS, STRETCH ARMSTRONG, OLD (PRE 1993) BARBIES, PLASTER MOULDING KITS, SOME DOG TOYS (esp from Tesco),
LATEX-FREE: Lots of toys are latex-free. Contact manufacturers. 1993 Barbies, Disney toys, Little Tikes toys, Little People toys (Fischer Price), most toys at Early Learning Centre (except printing set, tensioned play drum, erasers) most Mattel toys (the few that do contain NRL are clearly labelled. Mattel 0191 586 3355) - even their suction cups are synthetic butyl rubber. Boots Children's Sticker Books - those printed in Italy are latex-free. Boots Toddler Bath Mat. All Crayola products latex-free (Binney & Smith 01234360201). All Bluebird/Peter Pan Toys EXCEPT PLASTER MOULDING KITS (Bluebird 01793 437777). All Lego is latex-free (tyres, etc are synthetic). Polly Pocket Dolls are also made of a synthetic rubber. Ben 10 toys – Bandai have confirmed that none of their Ben 10 range contains latex. Character Options who import all the Doctor Who range are very helpful and can check on any Doctor Who item.
Truncheons:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Truncheons used by some police, rubber bullets
Tyres:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: ALL parts of vehicle TYRES contain nlr blended with other rubbers (butyl, epdm, isoprene and styrene butadiene rubber or sbr). as for commercial vehicle tyres, the proportion of nlr increases with vehicle size. eg. large earth mover tyres are 100% NLR. latex allergens have been found in tyre dust, roadside dust and air samples from los angeles area, usa.
LATEX-FREE: Some solid tyres on young childrens bikes.
Underwear and clothing:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Elastic in underwear, and clothing. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS.LATEX-FREE: Latex elastic in clothing should be safe if covered with cotton cloth or tape. Lycra, Spandex, Elastane are synthetic polymers and safe. Be careful: composition labels in garments may exclude elastics and trimmings. Most Marks and Spencers (0171 268 1234) clothing and underwear is latex-free (check the label – latex should be listed if present). Underwear from Next should also be latex free. Royce Lingerie have confirmed that they use elastane and not natural rubber latex.
Upholstery:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Upholstery foam rubber padding
LATEX-FREE: Synthetic foam
The latest info we have is contradictory: "Most synthetic foams supplied for upholstery contain 1 - 2% latex as this gives better durability" and "synthetic foam doesn't contain latex, as latex foam is very expensive and has a dense, close-knit texture, as opposed to synthetic, which is open and aerated by comparison. But latex can be used in upholstery and mattresses."
Washers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Washers, rubber seals, plumbing seals, plugs.