Latex is an integral part of
every American's life and has been since the 1920's. Latex
is present in the paint on our walls, the tires we ride
on , the underwear and shoes we wear, the balls and balloons
our children play with and, yes, the mattresses and pillows
we sleep on. In fact, wherever rubber products are used
generally, latex is present.
Recently, however, the word latex has become
associated with another more sinister area, anaphylaxic
shock causing severe illness or death as a result o f an
allergic reaction to latex. By reviewing the available data
a pattern regarding this severe reaction becomes apparent.
The FDA's studies show that in a four year
time frame there were 1,118 recorded incidents of latex
allergies. Although most of these were simple skin rashes,
there were 15 recorded deaths all from the use of enema
retention catheters. The most striking statistic is that
all of the 1,118 recorded incidents were from medical applications
with products produced in a dipped molding process.
To our knowledge there have been no recorded
incidents of any anphylatic shock from non medical application
of latex, whether it be tires, paint, underwear, mattresses
or pillows.
What is so different about medical products
and the pillows and mattresses you sleep on?
The products that have had the problem have a common theme
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They are produced from 100% natural latex
which contains the suspect protein.
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They are produced using the dipped vulcanization
process.
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They are often produced in third world
countries that do not have the strict GMP manufacturing
codes used here in the U.S.
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They were ineffectively washed and the
protein remained on the surface.
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They are being used in a medical/skin/body
contact situation.
Latex International products have several major differences
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*The process to produce open celled foam
rubber is completely different from the dipped process
used in glove and medical appliance applications.
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We thoroughly wash our mattresses and
pillows in a five stage washer. Even if the protein
were present this would remove any remaining traces.
The openness of our cells allow this thorough washing,
whereas the closed sealed surface of a latex glove or
catheter is difficult to wash.
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There is no skin contact by the user with
the latex when sleeping on a latex mattress or pillow.
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In our forty-seven years of latex experience
which includes millions of pillows, mattresses and cosmetic
sponges in the marketplace, there have been no instances
of anaphylatic shock.
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Our products have been tested by numerous
outside testing facilities and found to be naturally
hypo allergenic. Our mattresses and pillows are 3 times
more resistant to dust mites and are naturally resistant
to mold and mildew, major contributors to asthma and
pulmonary function allergies.
In conclusion, latex allergies in medical
applications are concerning and can be solved through proper
formulation and processing, but these problems have no bearing
on the latex each of us uses in our daily lives. The latex
we paint our walls with, we wear in our clothes, drive on,
and most importantly, the latex we use to get a better nights
sleep, has a long, long track record of safety.
Jonathan May,
President of Latex International |
