[at-l] OT: gum rubber vs latex

[jmayer@rochester.rr.com (Jim Mayer)]

Latex rubber is a natural material.  The following is quoted from a US
Government OSHA web site on latex:

	http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/latexallergy/

    As used in this discussion, latex  refers to the natural
    rubber latex manufactured from a milky fluid that is
    primarily obtained from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
    Some synthetic rubber materials may be referred to as "latex"
    but they do not contain the protein that produces latex
    allergy.

The following text is from a web page on "the keeper":

	http://www.diaperpin.com/thekeeper.asp

    What if I have a latex allergy?

    The Keeper is made from natural gum rubber (as
    opposed to a synthetic polymer). This rubber is also
    called latex. If you think your are allergic to latex
    or rubber talk to your doctor before trying the keeper.

Based on these, I'd say that gum rubber and latex rubber are one and the
same.

Let's all be careful about checking information when we post on health
issues.  People with severe latex allergies can go into anaphylactic
shock (and possibly die) if exposed to the stuff.

-- Jim

On Tue, 2002-02-19 at 23:23, DTimm65344@aol.com wrote:
    I was only pre-med for a couple of years in college but worked for a company 
    that made latex so I can answer.  Gum rubber is natural material, latex is 
    synthetically manufactured.  Different stuff.  What's the base question (or 
    is it in the hundred odd emails I'm behind)?
    
    Black&blue
    
    In a message dated 02/19/02 10:56:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
    askowronek@mindspring.com writes:
    
    
    > Could a medical type please comment on whether or
    > not gum rubber really is the same as latex or not?
    > Because now I'm confused.
    >