Latex
Latex is the aqueous sap of the tropical rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. Its primary component is polyisoprene, which after vulcanisation produces the elastic, tear-resistant material used for gloves.
Properties of latex gloves:
- High elasticity and excellent fit
- Outstanding tactile sensitivity (relevant for medical examinations)
- High resistance to micro-organisms, bacteria, and viruses
- Good resistance to many acids and alkalis
- Susceptibility to mineral oils and solvents
Health aspects:
- Type I allergy (IgE-mediated, immediate hypersensitivity): triggered by latex proteins; can cause urticaria to anaphylaxis – rare but clinically significant
- Type IV allergy (T-cell-mediated, contact dermatitis): triggered by vulcanisation accelerators (thiurams, dithiocarbamates), not by latex protein itself
Nitrile and TPE are latex-free alternatives. Latex-free products must be labelled accordingly. Latex gloves are subject to EN 455-3 for biological safety and protein content. The detection limit for water-soluble protein is 50 µg/g, determined by the modified Lowry method. Below this threshold the protein content is deemed non-detectable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Type I and Type IV latex allergy?
Type I (immediate, IgE-mediated): triggered by latex proteins, can cause urticaria to anaphylaxis, onset within minutes. Type IV (contact dermatitis, T-cell mediated): triggered by vulcanisation accelerators, onset 12–48 hours after contact, more common.
Why are nitrile gloves not a complete solution for latex allergies?
Nitrile gloves are latex-free but contain vulcanisation accelerators (e.g. thiurams, carbamates) that can trigger Type IV allergies. For individuals with accelerator-related Type IV allergy, accelerator-free nitrile gloves are required.
What protein content limit does EN 455-3 set for latex gloves?
EN 455-3 sets a detection limit of 50 µg/g of water-soluble protein, determined by the modified Lowry method. Below this threshold the protein content is deemed non-detectable; the standard does not permit quantification below that limit.