Natural rubber latex comes from a liquid in tropical rubber trees.
This liquid is processed to make many rubber products we use at home and at work.
The protein in rubber can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Latex allergy can be mild, with symptoms such as itchy, red, watery eyes, sneezing or runny nose, coughing, rash or hives.
It can also be very severe, with symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath and shock.
It may even cause death.
A latex-sensitive person can have a life-threatening allergic reaction with no previous warning or symptoms.
Anyone can become allergic to latex.
Because some proteins in rubber are similar to some food proteins, some foods may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to latex.
The most common of these foods are banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi fruit and tomato.
Milk Protein Allergy