About Allergies: Does Latex Paint Actually Contain Latex?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Latex paint is a common form of paint that is used for indoor and outdoor use, and is found at countless home improvement stores around the country. Many people suffer from latex allergy, and are concerned about exposure to latex paint. Could they experience an allergic reaction to latex paint? It turns out that latex paint doesn't contain latex, but contains synthetic materials not derived from the plant where latex is derived. These synthetic chemicals are known to cause allergic skin reactions called contact dermatitis. So, while latex paint can pose a risk in terms of fumes released during the painting process, and therefore precautions should be taken (such as having proper ventilation and wearing a mask and eye protection), latex paint will not trigger an allergic reaction in people with latex allergy. Latex Paint and Latex Allergy Latex paint does not contain natural latex protein, but contains synthetic materials including vinyl acetate and acrylates. Natural latex protein, derived from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, is responsible for allergic reactions caused by latex. There is no latex protein found in latex paint, and therefore people with latex allergy are at no increased risk of an allergic reaction with exposure to latex paint. For this reason, many companies have proposed changing the name from latex paint to acrylic paint. See More About:  latex allergy  anaphylaxis  All About Latex Allergy Latex is the major ingredient in most rubber products, and is made from the tree Hevea brasiliensis. Thousands of household and occupational products contain latex, from shoes to rubber bands. This material is especially common in the health care industry, where it can be found in surgical gloves, and various pieces of medical equipment. See More About:  allergy testing  food allergies  allergist All About Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an itchy, blistering skin rash typically caused by the direct contact of a substance with the skin. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. This difference is often difficult to tell apart, and is not usually an important distinction to make. See More About:  itching  skin allergies  eczema Allergies Ads Paint Best Exterior Paint Buy Wall Paint Latex Allergies How to Paint Featured Articles Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics   More from About.com 10 Bathroom Remodels There's nothing worse than a bathroom remodel that looks like it belongs in a gas station. If you're looking for inspiration, you'll find it in these luxe, lush photos. More> Inspired Bathroom Tile Choices New tile can transform your bathroom in countless ways, whether you're looking for a playful, colorful child's bath, a cool and elegant sanctuary, or a bold sophisticated escape. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement