Directory of non-medical latex-free product alternatives If you come across any new information or have information which will update this list, please contact us: [email protected] Every effort has been made by the Campaign to ensure that this list is accurate and up to date. However, it is obviously incomplete, and possible that some items could be incorrectly listed. This list is intended for guidance only and is intended to assist those wishing to identify whether any non-medical product does or does not contain latex. Please do not rely entirely on this list. We would strongly advise anybody who is interested in purchasing latex free products to obtain their own verification of the latex status of any product directly from the product supplier or manufacturer. Supplier details can be found at the end of the product list. Adhesives: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: COPYDEX, COW GUM, BOSTIK All Bostik products except AQUAGRIP: e.g. AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220 (which is used Blu-tack (synthetic polyisobutylene). mainly in footwear industry and for bonding NLR clothing). ENVELOPE ADHESIVES PVA glues, Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive ESP. SELF-SEALING, EVO-STICK Roller (Henkel). FLASHBAND PRIMER, EVO-STIK RBW Any other consumer glues by Henkel RUBBERISED BITUMINOUS (Solvite, Gloy, Unibond). WATERPROOFER (Bostik) Polycell wallpaper paste. (Akzo Nobel). EYELASH ADHESIVE other than Revlon Precision. RITO RBW RUBBERISED Evostick Impact Adhesive, Evostick BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFER Timebond, Evo-Stik Multi Purpose Adhesive, Evo-Stik 528 Contact Adhesive, Evo-Stik 528 TX, Evo-Stik Colourseal, Evo-Stik Superstrong Standard Epoxy, Evo-Stik Superstrong Rapid Epoxy, Evo-Stik Wood Adhesive Resin 'W', Evo-Stik Wood Adhesive Resin 'W' Weatherproof, Evo-Stik Non slip Ceramic Tile adhesive, Evo-Stik Safe 80 (neoprene) (Bostik). Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive
Airbags: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: AIRBAGS on cars; check your own car; Airbags on Honda, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, some are cotton/nylon, but some may Seat, Jaguar, Volvo, Audi contain latex
March 2016
Airbeds: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: AIRBEDS AND INFLATABLE MATTRESSES, FOOTPUMPS
Art and graphic supplies: see also adhesives, erasers, sticky tapes MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: PAINT, MARKERS, ADHESIVES. Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive Roller (Henkel). COPYDEX. ART MASKING FLUID. SELF- Mars Plastic erasers (Staetdler) SEALING CUTTING BOARDS. ADHESIVE TAPE. COW GUM. ADHESIVES FOR All Windsor & Newton products except ART GLITTER. ART MASKING FLUID (W & N). MASKING FLUID. AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220 3M Magic Tape. Letraset products. All Sellotape products. All Bostik products EXCEPT AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220. Gel Gems (Gelgems)
Asphalt: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ASPHALT IS COMBINED WITH GROUND-UP TYRES CONTAINING NLR. STYRENE- BUTADIENE RUBBER (SBR) AND NEOPRENE ARE ADDED TO NLR TO IMPROVE TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY AND WATERPROOFING. NLR UP TO 25% WEIGHT OF THE TOTAL BLEND. WHEN ASPHALT MIXED OR SPRAYED, NLR PARTICLES ALMOST CERTAINLY AEROSOLISED. POSSIBLE THAT NLR PROTEINS DENATURED BY HIGH TEMPS USED IN THE MIXING OF THE ASPHALT, ALTHOUGH IT IS KNOWN THAT ASPHALT HAS CAUSED REACTIONS IN NLR ALLERGIC INDIVIDUALS. LATEX ALLERGENS FOUND IN TYRE DUST, ROADSIDE DUST AND AIR SAMPLES FROM LOS ANGELES AREA, USA. (see also Tyres).
March 2016
Audio and broadcasting equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: FOAM COMPONENT OF EARPHONES, Apple headphones have silicone tips. HEADSETS, MICROPHONES, STUDIO Earphones, earbuds, headsets made by SOUND-PROOFING Philips. JBL by Harman are also latex free. Sennheiser and SkullCandy are latex free. The cable is usually polyurethane or silicone
Baby teats, dummies/comforters/pacifiers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: LATEX TEATS, DUMMIES/COMFORTERS. Silicone teats (Boots.) INFANT TOOTH Avent Soft Spout Trainer (Thermoplastic synthetic - Evoprene) and all Avent products EXCEPT SOOTHERS AND TEATS. Sterifeed teats. Tommee Tippee silicone teats & soothers
Bach flower remedies: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER DROPPERS ON BOTTLES MAY CONTAMINATE CONTENTS
Balloons: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ALL RUBBER BALLOONS, BALLOON Mylar balloons, foil balloons. Also try BALLS Qualatex bubbles made of plastic.
March 2016
Balls:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: KOOSH AND BALLOON BALLS (definitely Gilbert Rugby Balls do), TENNIS, SQUASH (SLAZENGER TENNIS AND SQUASH DEFINITELY DO), Slazenger badminton shuttlecocks. RUBBER, BASKETBALL, BOWLING. SOME FOOTBALLS AND RUGBY BALLS (RHINO RUGBY BALLS A DEFINITE) ARE MOULDED RUBBER LAMINATE.
Balloon launches: Promotional aerial outdoor balloon launches need not cause too much concern, once the balloons are airborne. The Civil Aviation Authority authorise on average 2,500 such releases a year. They advise that by far the greatest majority of the balloons go to altitude and shatter at 8,000 - 10,000ft. Only a small number survive this to return to earth, usually in open spaces or at sea. They regard the medical risk to us therefore as small and theoretical, effectively no threat to the susceptible community. Ballpoint pens:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOME BALLPOINT PENS (SHEATH All Berol ballpoints (PVC sheath). COATING) All Stabilo products are latex free.
Bath mats: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: BATH MATS, NON-SLIP LATEX BACKING. Boots Toddler Bath Mat. Non slip bath circles from Non-Slip Bath.co.uk . All cotton mats with no backing.
Bath plugs: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: BATH PLUGS Plastic bath plugs (usually black PVC, from Homebase, etc).
Franke sinks have plugs made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
March 2016
Books: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: BOOK BINDINGS - SPINES.
Bungee cords: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: BUNGEE CORDS
Bungs: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: RUBBER BUNGS
Calculators:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: All Texas instruments are latex free
Cameras, binoculars, audio, TV, video equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: EYEPIECE OR OPERATING BUTTONS. IN Many operating buttons are silicone rubber PARTICULAR PLEASE CHECK THE and therefore safe. Check with manufacturer. ATTACHABLE LENS AS COULD BE A Steiner binoculars are latex free. DIFFERING MANUFACTURER TO THE Opticron binoculars: some are man-made MAIN BODY OF THE CAMERA. rubber – check with manufacturer.
Car mats and mud flaps:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ALL CANNON RUBBER LTD CAR MATS, Cannon "Protec" mud flaps (plastic) CANNON "BODYGUARD" MUD FLAPS. Mazda floor mats and mud flaps
March 2016
Cars: MOTs, REPAIRS AND SERVICES MAY BE CARRIED OUT BY PERSONNEL WEARING LATEX GLOVES. ADVISE GARAGE BEFORE REPAIR WORK. CERTAIN RUBBER CAR COMPONENTS, RUBBER TYRES.
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: The following example relates to all Mazda All other parts (interior parts, seats, door vehicles (Mazda Cars UK Ltd) CONTAIN trims, top sealing, floor mats, weather strips, NLR: POWER TRAIN RELATED PARTS: etc), NLR is not used. MOUNT RUBBERS FOR ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL, Ford Focus should be latex free inside, as ENGINE MOUNT MEMBER INSULATOR, are Volvo, Citroen and BMW cars (but DYNAMIC DAMPER. CHASSIS RELATED beware of rubber floor mats). BMWs have PARTS: SUSPENSION LINK AND ARM some caoutchouc inside the car, which may BUSHING, SUSPENSION MOUNT cause problems for some latex allergic RUBBER, BUMP STOPPER, COIL SPRING individuals. SEAT RUBBER, REBOUND STOPPER, In general, tyres, engine mountings, LEAF SPRING BUSHING, STEERING suspension rubbers may be made from latex, GEAR MOUNT RUBBER, POWER but these are not inside the car and therefore STEERING HOSE, POWER STEERING less of a risk. Some cars may have small FLUID RESERVOIR CAP SEAL RUBBER. amounts of latex inside the car, such as BODY-RELATED PARTS: STOPPER washers and stoppers, eg Mazda may have RUBBERS FOR BOMMET, DOORS AND a latex stopper under the ashtray, Toyota TRUNK LID, DRAIN PLUGS FOR DOORS may have a latex washer in the steering AND BODY. AIR-CONDITIONING system RELATED PARTS: CONDENSER MOUNT RUBBER INSULATOR.
Carpets and underlay: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: TREDAIRE CARPET UNDERLAY MADE Cloud 9 underlays, made by Ball & Young, BEFORE 1973 CONTAINED SMALL are latex free. QUANTITIES OF NRL. "VULCAN BAC" FOAM BACKED CARPET Since 1973, only synthetic butyl rubber has been used in Tredaire underlay (Interfloor) It is possible to get latex free levelling compounds and adhesives for use with vinyls etc – ask your supplier to check. Stopgap Green and Blue (F. Ball) are now latex free. Arditex NA (Ardex UK) is an acrylic based levelling compound not a latex based one.
Champagne corks: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: CHAMPAGNE CORKS
Chewing Gum: LATEX-FREE: All Wrigleys Chewing gum products
March 2016
Clogs:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: MOST BIRKENSTOCK CLOG SOLES Birkiclog, pure PVC clog without insole (Birkenstock).
Crocs: the Croslite™ material contains no latex, this is not the same for all Crocs - check with manufacturer.
Computers: HARDWARE ADD-ONS MAY BE INSTALLED BY PERSONNEL WEARING LATEX GLOVES.
Confectionery and food wrappers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: COLD-SEAL (OR 'FLOW-WRAPPED') Cadbury's foil and band chocolate packs, WRAPPERS USE LATEX: THESE ARE e.g. 200g Dairy Milk. Chocolate Buttons USED WHEN THE PRODUCT COULD packaging (acrylic polymer heat seal). MELT IF HOT-SEALED, E.G. CHOCOLATE AND ICE-CREAM. WALL’S SOLERO AND Nestlé and Kellogg’s use latex free MAGNUM HAVE LATEX IN THE ADHESIVE adhesives. ON THE WRAPPERS Walls products other than SOLERO and MAGNUM are latex free
Contraceptives: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: CONDOMS, DIAPHRAGMS, Avanti non-latex condoms (Durex) CONTRACEPTIVE SPONGES Femidoms (Pasante)
Conveyor belts: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER CONVEYOR BELTS Conveyor belts used by Procter & Gamble to make Tampax are all polyurethane. At present it is not known how typical PU conveyor belts are generally.
March 2016
Cosmetics and make-up:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: APPLICATORS & SPONGES, ESP. Boots makeup and large bathroom sponges, COSMETIC SPONGES AND WEDGES. Boots soft sponge applicator, all Ramer BOOTS 2 COSMETIC SPONGES. BOOTS 4 sponges. Boots No.7 and 17 range COSMETIC SPONGES. EYE LASH cosmetics packed latex-free. CURLER, WATERPROOF MASCARA. COSMETICS MAY CONTAIN PAPAIN, A Oil of Olay Body Wash Puffs (polyethylene). PAPAYA DERIVATIVE THAT CAN CROSS- Nailene false nail glue is not latex. REACT WITH LATEX. BODY SHOP Proctor & Gamble products (Max Factor, COSMETICS ARE PACKED BY Oral B dental products, Gillette, Tampax) PERSONNEL WEARING LATEX GLOVES.
Disposable nappies and incontinence pads:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ELASTIC AND ADHESIVE TABS. BOOTS Huggies nappies (Kleenex). NAPPY TABS. BOOTS PLASTIC PANTS (LATEX IN THE ELASTIC). Pampers (Proctor & Gamble) Tena incontinence pads and pants are latex free. Also, Kanga Care pants are latex free
DIY and decorating products: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER STAMPS FOR DECORATIVE Most house paints are safe, but the use of USE, LATEX FLOOR SCREED, FLOOR the term "latex" in paint technology is TILE ADHESIVE AND GROUT, DRIVEWAY confusing. It is generally used not to refer to SEALANT. natural rubber, but as another word for an emulsion.
All Crown(Akzo Nobel) Decorative Coatings and Dulux ranges are latex-free). All Polycell products are latex-free , even tile adhesives, fix and grout, polyfilla, heavy duty ready mixed grout, etc. Solvite, Unibond, Nitromors (Henkel). All paint etc products in the "International" range, eg doorstep & blackboard paint (Plascon International Ltd )
March 2016
Door stops and wedges: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER DOOR STOPS AND WEDGES
Dummies - see baby's teats, dummies/comforters/pacifiers Electrical appliances: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FLEX. Plastic flex. Whirlpool, Zanussi, Electrolux, SAMSUNG FRIDGE FREEZERS MAY LG fridge freezers are latex free. CONTAIN LATEX.
Elastic:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ELASTIC IN UNDERWEAR, AND Dritz 0.75" Wide x 1 Yd Plush Back Elastic CLOTHING. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS, White is latex free and available from Joann. DRESSMAKERS ELASTIC, ELASTIC BANDS. Cover all other ordinary latex elastic with cotton cloth or tape. JML IRONING BOARD COVERS, WIDELY AVAILABLE, CONTAINS LATEX. Lycra, Spandex, Elastane are synthetic polymers and synthetic fibres, and do not contain NRL. However, they may be combined with other fibres (eg NRL) in the finished product and the finished product itself may therefore contain NRL. If there is some doubt re: NRL content of the finished product then the manufacturers should be contacted for further clarification. Composition labels in garments may exclude elastics and trimmings.
Elastic bandages MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: MAY CONTAIN LATEX Some, but not all, those made by ACE (part of 3M) are latex free: e.g. 207603 elastic bandage with Velcro closure, elbow supports (knitted & padded)
March 2016
Envelopes: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ANY ENVELOPE SEALS COULD CONTAIN Don't lick seals- moisten with water, or stick LATEX. SELF-SEAL ALWAYS CONTAIN with latex-free tape. LATEX. REMOISTENABLE SEALS MAY CONTAIN IT.
Erasers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ERASERS. BEROL ERASER TIPPED All following are PVC based: Mars Plastic PENCILS AND BLOCK PENCIL ERASERS. erasers (Staedtler). SOME STAEDTLER ERASERS, ESP. BLOCK AND WEDGE SHAPED AND SOFT, Yikes! erasers (Berol). CLEANING ERASERS. Hi-Polymer Eraser (Pentel). Viking Nice Day Eraser. All Helix erasers (Mapedhelix) Derwent Kneadable Eraser Blister (Staples)
Escalator handrails: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: Escalator handrails Feminine sanitary pads and tampons: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOME FEMININE SANITARY PADS, All Always products (Procter & Gamble). TAMPONS AND PANT LINERS. BOOTS Boots Standard Pantliners, Boots Scented ULTRA THIN TOWELS (CONTAINS 15% Pantliners, Boots Petite Press on Towels, LATEX NOT IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH Boots Tampons, Boots Traditional Press on SKIN), BOOTS ULTRA THIN PANTLINER Towels, Boots Protective Briefs (Boots 0115 (CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% LATEX NOT 9595167). IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH SKIN). BOOTS DISPOSABLE BRIEFS (LEG ELASTIC All Kimberley Clark Kotex feminine care CONTAINS 90% LATEX). BODYFORM products PADS (THE COVERSHEET IS HEAT The conveyor belts used by Procter & BONDED WITH LATEX). Gamble in the manufacture of Tampax are all polyurethane.
Floor coverings: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: FLOOR COVERINGS, CARPET BACKING, Wooden floors, hessian-backed carpet with TREADAIRE, MATS, RUBBER STUDDED no underlay. FLOORING (EG SWIMMING POOLS, GYM FLOORS), NON-SLIP RUG GRIPS Tredaire (Interfloor) underlay (uses butyl non-NLR rubber)
March 2016
Foam rubber: (also see upholstery) MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: FOAM RUBBER Synthetic foam, cellulose sponge, polyurethane foam Mothercare mattresses – confirmed there is no latex in their children’s mattresses
Food handled with latex gloves:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: FOOD MAY BE HANDLED WITH LATEX Bare hands, or synthetic, polythene, vinyl, GLOVES BY MANUFACTURERS, DELI PVC glove use. COUNTERS, RESTAURANTS, ETC. PARTICULARLY CHEESES, RAW MEATS, Foods cooked or rinsed before consuming: FOODS NOT COOKED OR RINSED e.g.: BEFORE CONSUMING. Walkers Snack Foods Ltd state that although E.G. ICELAND SAY THAT OF THEIR 500+ rubber gloves are used by operatives to trim FACTORIES, SOME ARE KNOWN TO USE waste from the potato, they go through LATEX GLOVES IN HANDLING. numerous washing and preparation/cooking stages without further handling, and all conveyor belts are plastic, so latex contamination should not be a problem
Food storage bags: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: FOOD STORAGE BAGS/ZIPPERED Plain plastic bags PLASTIC BAGS
Garden hoses: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: PARTICULARLY OLD RUBBER HOSES Synthetic
Gaskets: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: GASKETS Neoprene, silicone. Synthetic gaskets are used for kitchen appliances, see kitchen appliances.
March 2016
Hairdressing products: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: GLOVES USED IN SALONS FOR Nicky Clarke's Heated Flexi Stylers WASHING / COLOURING / PERMING. GLUE FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS, FALSE EYELASHES. MASON PEARSON HAIRBRUSHES WITH RUBBER PAD
Hot water bottles:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: HOT WATER BOTTLES Some transparent plastic types. Boots Extra Comfort Hot Water Bottle product number 4090640. Fashy make thermoplastic PVC hot water bottles. Could also try the old fashioned stone variety, or wheat bags.
IKEA: list all the constituents in their products (apart from the glue).
Inflatable dinghies:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: INFLATABLE DINGHIES. ESPECIALLY Often PVC tubes are used, so dinghies RUBBER TRACKS TO REINFORCE OUTER without rubber buffers can be found which EDGES. are NLR free.
Inks: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: All Vanson inks Crown (Akzo Nobel) lithography inks are latex-free, although they are misleadingly labelled “rubber-based”. This is a misnomer, and they only contain waxes, resins, vegetable oils, solvents and pigment.
March 2016
Insulation materials: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: INSULATION MATERIALS Cavity wall and loft insulation supplied from Knauf. Rockwool is mineral wool insulation and does not contain latex
Kitchen & household appliances:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: DYSON VACUUM CLEANERS MAY Latex is not able to withstand the high CONTAIN LATEX. HOOVER HAVE STATED temperatures and is therefore unsuitable for THAT THE BAG COLLAR ON THE PAPER washing machine/dishwasher/fridge/freezer BAG VERSIONS IS LATEX. seals or gaskets. Synthetic materials are usually used. The Hoover Hurricane vacuum cleaner does not have latex.
Lacquers: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LACQUERS
Latex glove use: AREAS IN WHICH LATEX GLOVES MAY BE USED: MEDICAL, DENTAL, EMERGENCY SERVICES, FIRST AID TREATMENT AND BOXES, NAPPY CHANGING, CHIROPODY, GENERAL CLEANING, DRY CLEANERS, HAIRDRESSING, FOOD HANDLING INCLUDING RESTAURANTS AND TAKEAWAYS, CAR REPAIRS AND SERVICING, WORKERS IN ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY (EG. COMPUTER COMPONENTS), MECHANICS. SOME DRUGS COMPANIES (EG PFIZER) USE POWDERED LATEX GLOVES WHEN PRODUCING AND PACKAGING TABLETS AND MEDICATIONS Lottery scratch cards:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: LOTTERY INSTANT SCRATCH CARDS, DAILY MAIL SCRATCH CARDS
Milking machines: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: MILKING MACHINES Mobile phones: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: MOBILE PHONES MAY HAVE SOME Apple, Nokia and Samsung: external parts INTERNAL COMPONENTS THAT COULD of mobile phones are latex-free CONTAIN LATEX
March 2016
Modelling materials: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: AMMONIATED LATEX CONCENTRATE
Mouse pads: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: MOUSE PADS
Packaging: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: LATEX GLUES AND PACKAGING SEALS - All Kellogg's packaging adhesives WRAPPERS, CARTONS, ETC (NLR FORMS A MAJOR PART OF THE COMPOUND USED TO "COLD SEAL" MANY CONFECTIONERY WRAPPINGS; PARTICULARLY WITH HEAT SENSITIVE PRODUCTS SUCH AS CHOCOLATE; THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE FOR TRACE QUANTITIES TO BE IN CONTACT WITH PRODUCT). MUCH OF 3M PACKAGING.
Paints - see Art supplies / DIY and decorating products Plants: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOME BIODEGRADABLE PLANT POTS MAY BE MADE OF COIR BONDED WITH NRL. MAY CROSS-REACT: POINSETTIA, RUBBER PLANTS, FICUS SPECIES (WEEPING FIG)
March 2016
Plasters: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: STRETCH FABRIC PLASTERS, Boots Clear, Waterproof and Hypoallergenic DRESSINGS AND TAPES (LATEX BINDS plasters. Micropore tape (Boots). ZINC OXIDE TO TAPES). ELASTOPLAST FABRIC FIRST AID DRESSINGS, All Elastoplast EXCEPT FABRIC TYPES & ADHESIVE BANDAGES, PARAGON ZINC SEE ELASTOPLAST POUCHES. OXIDE TAPE. Elastoplast Sensitive strips and Elastoplast Silver Healing Sensitive Adhesive Dressing MOST OF THE PLASTERS WITHIN THE plasters are totally free from latex and are ELASTOPLAST RANGE DO NOT CONTAIN labelled accordingly). LATEX, THE PAPER POUCHES IN WHICH THEY ARE CONTAINED, CAN CONTAIN Airstrip First Aid dressings. TRACES OF LATEX. Primapore and Opsite (Smith and Nephew). Mepore and Mepitel (Molnlycke) Fast Aid (inc children's) plasters. (Robinson Healthcare)
Plaster moulding kits:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: PLASTER MOULDING KITS HAVE LATEX MOULDS
Postage stamps: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: CLOSURE ADHESIVE ON SOME STAMP Postage stamp gum currently PVA glue with BOOKS. dextrine made from potato or maize-based starch (Royal Mail) but no guarantees - constituents could change.
Printing and copying: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOME ROLLERS INSIDE MACHINES? All Xerox copiers and inks are latex free. The copier rollers are teflon (NRL wouldn't stand the high temps) and the toner is plastic/dry ink.
March 2016
Raincoats, Wellington boots: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBERISED RAINCOATS, WELLINGTON PVC boots and rainwear BOOTS, BONFIRE BOOTS BE WARNED: HJUNTERS NEW NEOPRENE WELLIES STILL HAVE NRL ON THEM
Rubber bands: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ALL RUBBER BANDS Latex free rubber bands can be purchased from Alliance. Try cutting up the fingers from an old latex- free glove to make your own elastic bands.
Rubber gloves:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ALL RUBBER GLOVES, FROM HEAVY- Vinyl, polythene or PVC gloves. DUTY TO RUBBERISED GARDENING GLOVES, MARIGOLDS, TO DISPOSABLE Polyco make a range of PVC/vinyl gloves. RUBBER LATEX GLOVES, ETC. Boots do own-range vinyl disposable and a PVC heavy duty glove. Spontex make latex free (nitrile) gloves.
School equipment: See Erasers / Sports Equipment MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ERASERS PE MATTING (see sports equip), All Scolaquip products latex-free. PE PLIMSOLLS, RUBBER BANDS, BALLOONS, In science labs, may need to replace tubing for Bunsen burners – try: silicone tubing (Globalspec); TPE & PVC) tubing (Kentelastomer); non-latex tubing (W A Baum); REP tubing (Magister Corporation); Various non-latex (Dunlap Export, Thomasnet)
March 2016
Shoes and footwear: see also Clogs, Raincoats, Wellington boots MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SHOE SOLES, RUBBER TRIMS, RUBBER Man-made soles such as polyvinylchloride SHOES OR BOOTS, DESERT BOOTS, soles (PVC), polyurethane (PU), MANY SHOES MADE IN CHINA, CREPE thermoplastic rubber (TR), ethylene vinyl SOLES, PLIMSOLLS AND GYM PUMPS, acetate (EVA) soles. PVC boots, plastic jelly NEARLY ALL TRAINING SHOE OUTER shoes. SOLES, ARCHPADS AND CHIROPODY SUPPLIES, HEEL GRIPS AND INSOLES, Clarks now produce an "allergy list" detailing STIFFENERS, ODOREATERS, THONGS safe styles. Note that even footwear with AND WATER SHOES, FOOTWEAR synthetic soles (Clarks Walking Sandals, ADHESIVES USED IN MANUFACTURE, some Clarks children's shoes & Clarks SOLES OF CHILDREN'S TAPDANCE Springer sandals) may use latex adhesive to SHOES (PVC ALTERNATIVES glue in the sock or insole. AVAILABLE). CLARKS CICA TRAINERS. Many latex allergics can wear most shoes ALL ADIDAS SHOES CONTAIN LATEX without too much difficulty, but if you are CEMENT. HUSH PUPPIES. NEXT SHOES reacting, the lowest risk is unlined footwear HAVE LATEX ADHESIVES. with leather insole and non-rubber sole unit, ALTHOUGH NIKE USES VERY LITTLE or as a last resort having footwear made to LATEX RUBBER IN THEIR individual specification by bespoke MANUFACTURE, THEY CANNOT shoemakers. CATEGORICALLY STATE THAT ANY ONE Most Nike trainers, but not walking shoes, SHOE IS LATEX FREE. IN COMMON WITH are latex-free – but check before you buy. THE REST OF THE FOOTWEAR Nike Total 90 III football boots for Astroturf INDUSTRY, LATEX ADHESIVE IS OFTEN are latex-free. USED TO HOLD THE UPPER TO THE SOLE BEFORE STITCHING, BUT NIKE Crocs: Croslite range are latex free. ARE SLOWLY PHASING THIS OUT. NLR IS Green Shoes can make shoes free from STILL USED IN AUTOCLAVE SHOES many common allergens. WHERE THE BITS OF RUBBER ARE BONDED IN OVENS (WHICH ARE LIKE Try also Ethical Wares and Vegetarian THE OLD DUNLOP GREEN FLASH) WHICH Shoes if you have problems with some of the ARE GENERALLY OFF-COURT TENNIS chemicals used in tanning leather. SHOES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY Marks and Spencer are listing on most of LATEX ALLERGICS. BUT LATEX their shoes what the constituents of the ADHESIVES ARE NOT USED IN ANY OF upper and sole are, but there is no indication THEIR SOCKLINERS/INSOLES. ALSO, of the glue used. MANY SHOES ARE BOARD-LASTED, MEANING THAT THERE IS CARDBOARD Wellington boots – some are latex, others BETWEEN THE WEARER'S FOOT AND are synthetic rubbers such as PVC or butyl. THE SHOEBED, MINIMISING ANY Dunlop make some non-latex wellies. The CONTACT PROBLEMS. very shiny or brightly coloured wellies are often PVC. The retailer should be able to check with the supplier before you buy – if they can’t / won’t, go elsewhere!
Silk flowers: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: SILK FLOWERS - LATEX COVERED STEMS
March 2016
Socks: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOCKS Most of Marks and Spencer’s socks are now latex-free, but check with Head Office for product details. Dr. Scholl Diabetics Socks are latex free.
Spatulas: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER-ENDED SPATULAS Wooden, plastic, synthetic.
Sponge products: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: BOOTS 2 COSMETIC SPONGES AND Boots Baby sponges, Splash and Learn BOOTS 4 COSMETIC WEDGES DO Sponges, Boots soft sponge applicator, CONTAIN LATEX. Boots large bathroom sponges. All Ramer sponges.
March 2016
Sports equipment: (also see balls / shoes and footwear)
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: WATER TOYS, SWIM HATS, SWIMSUITS, PVC, butyl rubber, EVA foam, polyethylene, LOCKER NUMBER BANDS, THONGS, silicone, vinyl, neoprene or plastic VERRUCA SOCKS, GOGGLES, NOSE alternatives, replacement polyurethane CLIPS, WET SUITS, SCUBA/SNORKEL grips. EQUIPMENT, BUNGEE CORDS, TABLE TENNIS BATS, GOLF CLUBS, ALUMINIUM Very lightweight foam/sponge products such BASEBALL BATS, RACQUET/BAT as swim buoyancy aids are synthetic HANDLES, SKI POLES, BALLS, SAILING (usually polyethylene). EQUIPMENT, MOTORCYCLE HEADGEAR, Flexibeam swimming aids do not contain any BICYCLE HANDLEBARS, TYRES, latex. PUNCTURE REPAIR KITS, PEDALS. FLOOR MATTING (GYMNASTICS,ETC) Speedo make a silicone swim cap and some USUALLY HAS LATEX NON-SLIP of their goggles are latex free UNDERSIDE. ALL KAY METZLER AND Gymnastic matting usually synthetic PU or CONTINENTAL SPORTS MATS HAVE polyethylene based chipfoam interior, with LATEX (SPRAYED ON THEN COMBED) ON PVC or vinyl covers, but beware of LATEX BASE. ALL ADIDAS GOALLIE GLOVES BASE (Kay-Metzeler, Continental Sports) HAVE LATEX ON PALMS. ALL RALEIGH BICYCLES HAVE NRL IN HANDLEBARS. Latex free floor mats can be obtained from ALL SLAZENGER/DUNLOP TENNIS BALLS Eveque Leisure Equipment. DO CONTAIN LATEX IN OUTER COATING. Yogamad make a range of cotton yoga TENNIS RACQUET HANDLES AMY mats. CONTAIN NRL. Netballs, general playground balls etc can be obtained from Davies Sport. Nike Total 90 III football boots for Astroturf are latex-free. Astroturf is also latex free.
Sticky tape and self-adhesive items: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: STICKY TAPE, STICKERS, PARCEL TAPE, Pritt Roller Fix (Henkel). Scotch Magic Tape LABELS. MOST WILL CONTAIN LATEX. and Post-It notes (3M) All Sellotape products including Invisible, Crystal and Diamond Tapes (acrylic) and Sellotape Original (synthetic rubber)
Stretch fabrics and swimsuits: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: SOME STRETCH FABRICS Elastane, Spandex, Lycra.
March 2016
T-Shirts with Appliqués: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: T-SHIRTS WITH APPLIQUES Marks & Spencer childrenswear transfers.
Thermos flasks: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: RUBBER SEALS All rubber seals in Thermos brand flasks.
Tools with rubber handles: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: TOOLS WITH RUBBER HANDLES Vinyl, leather or synthetic handles, or cover with tape.
Toothbrush and pen grips: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: TOOTHBRUSH AND PEN GRIPS, INFANT All Colgate battery and manual toothbrushes TOOTH MASSAGERS are latex-free Oral B (Quote from Oral B: A thorough review of Oral-B's extensive consumer and professional product lines has been performed. It has been determined that none of Oral-B's chemical or mechanical products contain any form of latex, with the exception of the gun stimulator tips supplied with our now obsolete Interclean product.)
March 2016
Toys: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: TEETHING TOYS, RUBBER BALLS, Lots of toys are latex-free - contact DRUMS, KOOSH BALLS, TOY CAR manufacturers for detailed product WHEELS, STRETCH ARMSTRONG, OLD information (PRE 1993) BARBIES, PLASTER MOULDING KITS, SOME DOG TOYS (ESP Most toys at Early Learning Centre FROM TESCO). Most Mattel toys (the few that do contain NRL are clearly labelled. Boots Children's Sticker Books - those printed in Italy are latex-free. Boots Toddler Bath Mat. All Crayola products are latex-free Loom bands – there are silicone alternatives, but it is advisable to contact the manufacturer. All Lego is latex-free (tyres, etc are synthetic). Polly Pocket Dolls are also made of a synthetic rubber. Ben 10 toys – Bandai have confirmed that none of their Ben 10 range contains latex.
Tyres: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ALL PARTS OF VEHICLE TYRES CONTAIN Some solid tyres on young children’s bikes. NLR BLENDED WITH OTHER RUBBERS (BUTYL, EPDM, ISOPRENE AND STYRENE BUTADIENE RUBBER OR SBR). AS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES, THE PROPORTION OF NLR INCREASES WITH VEHICLE SIZE. EG. LARGE EARTH MOVER TYRES ARE 100% NLR. LATEX ALLERGENS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN TYRE DUST, ROADSIDE DUST AND AIR SAMPLES FROM LOS ANGELES AREA, USA.
March 2016
Underwear and clothing: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: ELASTIC IN UNDERWEAR, AND Latex elastic in clothing should be safe if CLOTHING. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS covered with cotton cloth or tape. Lycra, Spandex, Elastane are synthetic polymers and safe. Be careful: composition labels in garments may exclude elastics and trimmings. Most Marks and Spencers clothing and underwear is latex-free (check the label – latex should be listed if present). Underwear from Next should also be latex free. Royce Lingerie have confirmed that they use elastane and not natural rubber latex.
Upholstery:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: UPHOLSTERY FOAM RUBBER PADDING Synthetic foam The latest info we have is contradictory: "Most synthetic foams supplied for upholstery contain 1 - 2% latex as this gives better durability" and "synthetic foam doesn't contain latex, as latex foam is very expensive and has a dense, close-knit texture, as opposed to synthetic, which is open and aerated by comparison. But latex can be used in upholstery and mattresses."
Washers: MAY CONTAIN LATEX: LATEX-FREE: WASHERS, RUBBER SEALS, PLUMBING SEALS, PLUGS.
March 2016
Suppliers & Manufacturers – Latex-free items
3M: www.3mdirect.co.uk ACE: www.acebrand.com Akzo Nobel : www.akzonobel.com/ Alliance Rubber Company: www.rubberband.com Ardex UK: www.ardex.co.uk Audi: https: www.audi.co.uk Avent: www.philips.co.uk/c-m-mo/philips-avent-and-your-baby Ball & Young: www.underlay.com Bandai: www.bandai.co.uk Berol: www.berol.co.uk Birkenstock: www.birkenstock.co.uk BMW: www.bmw.co.uk Boots: www.boots.com Bostik: www.bostik.co.uk Cadbury's: www.cadbury.co.uk Cannon Rubber Ltd: www.cannoncarmats.com Citroen: www.citroen.co.uk/home Clarks: www.clarks.co.uk Colgate: www.colgate.co.uk Continental sports: www.continentalsports.co.uk Crayola: www.crayola.co.uk Crocs: www.crocs.com Davies Sport: www.daviesports.co.uk Dr. Scholl: www.drschollsocks.com Dulux: www.dulux.co.uk Dunlap Export Co: http://www.dunlapexport.com/nonlatex.html Dunlop: www.dunlop.eu/en_gb/ Durex: www.durex.co.uk Early Learning Centre: www.elc.co.uk Elastoplast: www.elastoplast.co.uk Electrolux: www.shop.electrolux.co.uk Ethical Wares: www.ethicalwares.com Eveque Leisure Equipment: www.eveque.co.uk Fashy: www.fashy.de F. Ball: www.f-ball.co.uk Ford: www.ford.co.uk Franke: www.franke.com Gelgems: www.gelgems.com Gilbert: www.gilbertrugby.com Globalspec: http://www.globalspec.com/search/all?query=silicon+tubing&newSearch=new Green Shoes: www.greenshoes.co.uk Harman: www.harmankardon.co.uk Henkel: www.henkel.co.uk Honda: www.honda.co.uk Hoover: www.hoover.co.uk/ Interfloor: www.interfloor.com Jaguar: www.jaguar.co.uk Joann Fabric & Craft Stores: www.joann.com Kanga Care: www.kangacare.com Kay-Metzeler: www.kay-metzeler.co.uk Kellogg: www.kelloggs.co.uk Kentelastomer Products: http://www.kentelastomer.com/products/
March 2016
Kimberley Clark: www.kcprofessional.co.uk/ Kleenex: www.kleenex.co.uk/ Knauf: www.knauf.co.uk Lego: http://www.lego.com/en-gb Letraset: www.letraset.com/ LG: www.lg.com/uk Magister Corporation: http://www.magistercorp.com/rep-band.html Mapedhelix: www.mapedhelix.co.uk/ Marks and Spencer: www.marksandspencer.com/ Mattel: www.mattel.com/ Mazda: www.mazda.co.uk/ Mercedes: www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/ Molnlycke: www.molnlycke.co.uk Mothercare: www.mothercare.com/ Nailene: www.nailene.com Nestlé: www.nestle.co.uk/ Next: www.next.co.uk/ Nicky Clarke: www.nickyclarke.com/ Nike: www.nike.com/gb/ Nissan: www.nissan.co.uk Nokia: www.nokia.com Non-Slip Bath.co.uk: www.nonslipbath.co. Olay: www.olay.com Opticron: www.optricron.co.uk Oral B: www.oralb.co.uk/ Pasante: www.pasante.com Pentel: www.pentel.co.uk/ Philips: www.philips.co.uk/ Plascon International Ltd: www.plascongroup.com/ Polycell: www.polycell.co.uk/ Polyco: www.polyco.co.uk Procter & Gamble: www.pg.com/en_UK/ Qualatex: www.qualatex.com/downloads/BubblesRelease.pdf www.qualatex.com/qualatexbubbles/. Ramer: www.ramersponges.com Revlon: www.revlon.co.uk Robinson Healthcare: www.robinsonhealthcare.com Royal Mail: www.royalmail.com Royce Lingerie: www.royce-lingerie.co.uk Scholl: www.scholl.co.uk/ Scolaquip: www.scolaquip.co.uk Seat: www.seat.co.uk/ Sellotape: www.sellotape.com Sennheiser: www.en-uk.sennheiser.com Skullcandy: www.skullcandy.co.uk Slazenger: www.slazenger.com/ Smith and Nephew: www.smith-nephew.com Speedo: www.speedostore.co.uk Spontex: www.spontex.co.uk Stabilo: www.stabilo.com/uk Staetdler: www.staedtler.co.uk/en/ Staples: www.staples.co.uk Steiner: www.steiner-binoculars.co.uk/ Sterifeed: www.sterifeed.com/
March 2016
Tena: www.tenadirect.co.uk Texas: www.ti.com/ Thermos: www.thermos.co.uk/ Thomasnet:www.thomasnet.com/search.html?which=all&WTZO=Find+Suppliers&searchx=tr ue&what=latex-free&Submit.x=17&Submit.y=16 Tommee Tippee: www.tommeetippee.co.uk Toyota: www.toyota.co.uk/ Vanson: www.vansonink.com/ Vegetarian Shoes: www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk Viking: www.viking-direct.co.uk Volvo: www.volvocars.com/uk W A Baum: http://www.wabaum.com/search.aspx?val=non-latex tubing Walkers Snack Foods Ltd: www.walkers.co.uk/ Walls: www.walls.co.uk/ Whirlpool: www.whirlpool.co.uk/ Windsor & Newton: www.winsornewton.com/uk/ Wrigleys: www.wrigley.co.uk Xerox: www.xerox.co.uk/ Yogamad: www.yogamad.com Zanussi: www.zanussi.co.uk/
March 2016