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
AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220 (which is used
mainly in footwear industry and for bonding
NLR clothing). ENVELOPE ADHESIVES
ESP. SELF-SEALING, EVO-STICK
FLASHBAND PRIMER, EVO-STIK RBW
RUBBERISED BITUMINOUS
WATERPROOFER (Bostik)
All Bostik products except AQUAGRIP: e.g.
Blu-tack (synthetic polyisobutylene).
EYELASH ADHESIVE other than Revlon
Precision. RITO RBW RUBBERISED
BITUMINOUS WATERPROOFER
PVA glues, Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive
Roller (Henkel).
Any other consumer glues by Henkel
(Solvite, Gloy, Unibond).
Polycell wallpaper paste. (Akzo Nobel).
Evostick Impact Adhesive, Evostick
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;
some are cotton/nylon, but some may
contain latex
Airbags on Honda, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan,
Seat, Jaguar, Volvo, Audi
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.
COPYDEX. ART MASKING FLUID. SELFSEALING CUTTING BOARDS. ADHESIVE
TAPE. COW GUM. ADHESIVES FOR
GLITTER. ART MASKING FLUID (W & N).
AQUAGRIP 200, 202, 220
Prittstick and Pritt Adhesive Roller (Henkel).
Mars Plastic erasers (Staetdler)
All Windsor & Newton products except ART
MASKING FLUID.
3M Magic Tape.
Letraset products.
All Sellotape products.
All Bostik products EXCEPT AQUAGRIP
200, 202, 220.
Gel Gems (Gelgems)
Asphalt:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
ASPHALT IS COMBINED WITH GROUND-UP
TYRES CONTAINING NLR. STYRENEBUTADIENE 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
LATEX-FREE:
Audio and broadcasting equipment:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
FOAM COMPONENT OF EARPHONES,
HEADSETS, MICROPHONES, STUDIO
SOUND-PROOFING
Apple headphones have silicone tips.
Earphones, earbuds, headsets made by
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.
INFANT TOOTH
Silicone teats (Boots.)
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
BALLS
Mylar balloons, foil balloons. Also try
Qualatex bubbles made of plastic.
March 2016
Balls:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
KOOSH AND BALLOON BALLS (definitely
do), TENNIS, SQUASH (SLAZENGER
TENNIS AND SQUASH DEFINITELY DO),
RUBBER, BASKETBALL, BOWLING. SOME
FOOTBALLS AND RUGBY BALLS (RHINO
RUGBY BALLS A DEFINITE) ARE
MOULDED RUBBER LAMINATE.
Gilbert Rugby Balls
Slazenger badminton shuttlecocks.
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
COATING)
All Berol ballpoints (PVC sheath).
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
PARTICULAR PLEASE CHECK THE
ATTACHABLE LENS AS COULD BE A
DIFFERING MANUFACTURER TO THE
MAIN BODY OF THE CAMERA.
Many operating buttons are silicone rubber
and therefore safe. Check with manufacturer.
Steiner binoculars are latex free.
Opticron binoculars: some are man-made
rubber – check with manufacturer.
Car mats and mud flaps:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
ALL CANNON RUBBER LTD CAR MATS,
CANNON "BODYGUARD" MUD FLAPS.
Cannon "Protec" mud flaps (plastic)
March 2016
Mazda floor mats and mud flaps
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
vehicles (Mazda Cars UK Ltd) CONTAIN
NLR: POWER TRAIN RELATED PARTS:
MOUNT RUBBERS FOR ENGINE,
TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL,
ENGINE MOUNT MEMBER INSULATOR,
DYNAMIC DAMPER. CHASSIS RELATED
PARTS: SUSPENSION LINK AND ARM
BUSHING, SUSPENSION MOUNT
RUBBER, BUMP STOPPER, COIL SPRING
SEAT RUBBER, REBOUND STOPPER,
LEAF SPRING BUSHING, STEERING
GEAR MOUNT RUBBER, POWER
STEERING HOSE, POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR CAP SEAL RUBBER.
BODY-RELATED PARTS: STOPPER
RUBBERS FOR BOMMET, DOORS AND
TRUNK LID, DRAIN PLUGS FOR DOORS
AND BODY. AIR-CONDITIONING
RELATED PARTS: CONDENSER MOUNT
RUBBER INSULATOR.
All other parts (interior parts, seats, door
trims, top sealing, floor mats, weather strips,
etc), NLR is not used.
Ford Focus should be latex free inside, as
are Volvo, Citroen and BMW cars (but
beware of rubber floor mats). BMWs have
some caoutchouc inside the car, which may
cause problems for some latex allergic
individuals.
In general, tyres, engine mountings,
suspension rubbers may be made from latex,
but these are not inside the car and therefore
less of a risk. Some cars may have small
amounts of latex inside the car, such as
washers and stoppers, eg Mazda may have
a latex stopper under the ashtray, Toyota
may have a latex washer in the steering
system
Carpets and underlay:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
TREDAIRE CARPET UNDERLAY MADE
BEFORE 1973 CONTAINED SMALL
QUANTITIES OF NRL. "VULCAN BAC"
FOAM BACKED CARPET
Cloud 9 underlays, made by Ball & Young,
are latex free.
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')
WRAPPERS USE LATEX: THESE ARE
USED WHEN THE PRODUCT COULD
MELT IF HOT-SEALED, E.G. CHOCOLATE
AND ICE-CREAM. WALL’S SOLERO AND
MAGNUM HAVE LATEX IN THE ADHESIVE
ON THE WRAPPERS
Cadbury's foil and band chocolate packs,
e.g. 200g Dairy Milk. Chocolate Buttons
packaging (acrylic polymer heat seal).
Nestlé and Kellogg’s use latex free
adhesives.
Walls products other than SOLERO and
MAGNUM are latex free
Contraceptives:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
CONDOMS, DIAPHRAGMS,
CONTRACEPTIVE SPONGES
Avanti non-latex condoms (Durex)
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.
COSMETIC SPONGES AND WEDGES.
BOOTS 2 COSMETIC SPONGES. BOOTS 4
COSMETIC SPONGES. EYE LASH
CURLER, WATERPROOF MASCARA.
COSMETICS MAY CONTAIN PAPAIN, A
PAPAYA DERIVATIVE THAT CAN CROSSREACT WITH LATEX. BODY SHOP
COSMETICS ARE PACKED BY
PERSONNEL WEARING LATEX GLOVES.
Boots makeup and large bathroom sponges,
Boots soft sponge applicator, all Ramer
sponges. Boots No.7 and 17 range
cosmetics packed latex-free.
Oil of Olay Body Wash Puffs (polyethylene).
Nailene false nail glue is not latex.
Proctor & Gamble products (Max Factor,
Oral B dental products, Gillette, Tampax)
Disposable nappies and incontinence pads:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
ELASTIC AND ADHESIVE TABS. BOOTS
NAPPY TABS. BOOTS PLASTIC PANTS
(LATEX IN THE ELASTIC).
Huggies nappies (Kleenex).
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
USE, LATEX FLOOR SCREED, FLOOR
TILE ADHESIVE AND GROUT, DRIVEWAY
SEALANT.
Most house paints are safe, but the use of
the term "latex" in paint technology is
confusing. It is generally used not to refer to
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.
SAMSUNG FRIDGE FREEZERS MAY
CONTAIN LATEX.
Plastic flex. Whirlpool, Zanussi, Electrolux,
LG fridge freezers are latex free.
Elastic:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
ELASTIC IN UNDERWEAR, AND
CLOTHING. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS,
DRESSMAKERS ELASTIC, ELASTIC
BANDS.
Dritz 0.75" Wide x 1 Yd Plush Back Elastic
White is latex free and available from Joann.
JML IRONING BOARD COVERS, WIDELY
AVAILABLE, CONTAINS LATEX.
Cover all other ordinary latex elastic with
cotton cloth or tape.
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
LATEX. SELF-SEAL ALWAYS CONTAIN
LATEX. REMOISTENABLE SEALS MAY
CONTAIN IT.
Don't lick seals- moisten with water, or stick
with latex-free tape.
Erasers:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
ERASERS. BEROL ERASER TIPPED
PENCILS AND BLOCK PENCIL ERASERS.
SOME STAEDTLER ERASERS, ESP.
BLOCK AND WEDGE SHAPED AND SOFT,
CLEANING ERASERS.
All following are PVC based: Mars Plastic
erasers (Staedtler).
Yikes! erasers (Berol).
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,
TAMPONS AND PANT LINERS. BOOTS
ULTRA THIN TOWELS (CONTAINS 15%
LATEX NOT IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH
SKIN), BOOTS ULTRA THIN PANTLINER
(CONTAINS LESS THAN 1% LATEX NOT
IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH SKIN). BOOTS
DISPOSABLE BRIEFS (LEG ELASTIC
CONTAINS 90% LATEX). BODYFORM
PADS (THE COVERSHEET IS HEAT
BONDED WITH LATEX).
All Always products (Procter & Gamble).
Boots Standard Pantliners, Boots Scented
Pantliners, Boots Petite Press on Towels,
Boots Tampons, Boots Traditional Press on
Towels, Boots Protective Briefs (Boots 0115
9595167).
All Kimberley Clark Kotex feminine care
products
The conveyor belts used by Procter &
Gamble in the manufacture of Tampax are
all polyurethane.
Floor coverings:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
FLOOR COVERINGS, CARPET BACKING,
TREADAIRE, MATS, RUBBER STUDDED
FLOORING (EG SWIMMING POOLS, GYM
FLOORS), NON-SLIP RUG GRIPS
Wooden floors, hessian-backed carpet with
no underlay.
March 2016
Tredaire (Interfloor) underlay (uses butyl
non-NLR rubber)
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
GLOVES BY MANUFACTURERS, DELI
COUNTERS, RESTAURANTS, ETC.
PARTICULARLY CHEESES, RAW MEATS,
FOODS NOT COOKED OR RINSED
BEFORE CONSUMING.
Bare hands, or synthetic, polythene, vinyl,
PVC glove use.
E.G. ICELAND SAY THAT OF THEIR 500+
FACTORIES, SOME ARE KNOWN TO USE
LATEX GLOVES IN HANDLING.
Foods cooked or rinsed before consuming:
e.g.:
Walkers Snack Foods Ltd state that although
rubber gloves are used by operatives to trim
waste from the potato, they go through
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
PLASTIC BAGS
Plain 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
WASHING / COLOURING / PERMING.
GLUE FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS, FALSE
EYELASHES. MASON PEARSON
HAIRBRUSHES WITH RUBBER PAD
Nicky Clarke's Heated Flexi Stylers
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
CONTAIN LATEX. HOOVER HAVE STATED
THAT THE BAG COLLAR ON THE PAPER
BAG VERSIONS IS LATEX.
Latex is not able to withstand the high
temperatures and is therefore unsuitable for
washing machine/dishwasher/fridge/freezer
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
INTERNAL COMPONENTS THAT COULD
CONTAIN LATEX
Apple, Nokia and Samsung: external parts
of mobile phones are latex-free
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 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.
All Kellogg's packaging adhesives
Paints - see Art supplies / DIY and decorating products
Plants:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
SOME BIODEGRADABLE PLANT POTS
MAY BE MADE OF COIR BONDED WITH
NRL.
MAY CROSS-REACT: POINSETTIA,
RUBBER PLANTS, FICUS SPECIES
(WEEPING FIG)
March 2016
LATEX-FREE:
Plasters:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
STRETCH FABRIC PLASTERS,
DRESSINGS AND TAPES (LATEX BINDS
ZINC OXIDE TO TAPES). ELASTOPLAST
FABRIC FIRST AID DRESSINGS,
ADHESIVE BANDAGES, PARAGON ZINC
OXIDE TAPE.
Boots Clear, Waterproof and Hypoallergenic
plasters. Micropore tape (Boots).
MOST OF THE PLASTERS WITHIN THE
ELASTOPLAST RANGE DO NOT CONTAIN
LATEX, THE PAPER POUCHES IN WHICH
THEY ARE CONTAINED, CAN CONTAIN
TRACES OF LATEX.
All Elastoplast EXCEPT FABRIC TYPES &
SEE ELASTOPLAST POUCHES.
Elastoplast Sensitive strips and Elastoplast
Silver Healing Sensitive Adhesive Dressing
plasters are totally free from latex and are
labelled accordingly).
Airstrip First Aid dressings.
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
BOOKS.
Postage stamp gum currently PVA glue with
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
BOOTS, BONFIRE BOOTS
PVC boots and rainwear
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 latexfree glove to make your own elastic bands.
Rubber gloves:
MAY CONTAIN LATEX:
LATEX-FREE:
ALL RUBBER GLOVES, FROM HEAVYDUTY TO RUBBERISED GARDENING
GLOVES, MARIGOLDS, TO DISPOSABLE
RUBBER LATEX GLOVES, ETC.
Vinyl, polythene or PVC gloves.
Polyco make a range of PVC/vinyl gloves.
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),
PE PLIMSOLLS, RUBBER BANDS,
BALLOONS,
All Scolaquip products latex-free.
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
SHOES OR BOOTS, DESERT BOOTS,
MANY SHOES MADE IN CHINA, CREPE
SOLES, PLIMSOLLS AND GYM PUMPS,
NEARLY ALL TRAINING SHOE OUTER
SOLES, ARCHPADS AND CHIROPODY
SUPPLIES, HEEL GRIPS AND INSOLES,
STIFFENERS, ODOREATERS, THONGS
AND WATER SHOES, FOOTWEAR
ADHESIVES USED IN MANUFACTURE,
SOLES OF CHILDREN'S TAPDANCE
SHOES (PVC ALTERNATIVES
AVAILABLE). CLARKS CICA TRAINERS.
ALL ADIDAS SHOES CONTAIN LATEX
CEMENT. HUSH PUPPIES. NEXT SHOES
HAVE LATEX ADHESIVES.
Man-made soles such as polyvinylchloride
soles (PVC), polyurethane (PU),
thermoplastic rubber (TR), ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) soles. PVC boots, plastic jelly
shoes.
ALTHOUGH NIKE USES VERY LITTLE
LATEX RUBBER IN THEIR
MANUFACTURE, THEY CANNOT
CATEGORICALLY STATE THAT ANY ONE
SHOE IS LATEX FREE. IN COMMON WITH
THE REST OF THE FOOTWEAR
INDUSTRY, LATEX ADHESIVE IS OFTEN
USED TO HOLD THE UPPER TO THE
SOLE BEFORE STITCHING, BUT NIKE
ARE SLOWLY PHASING THIS OUT. NLR IS
STILL USED IN AUTOCLAVE SHOES
WHERE THE BITS OF RUBBER ARE
BONDED IN OVENS (WHICH ARE LIKE
THE OLD DUNLOP GREEN FLASH) WHICH
ARE GENERALLY OFF-COURT TENNIS
SHOES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY
LATEX ALLERGICS. BUT LATEX
ADHESIVES ARE NOT USED IN ANY OF
THEIR SOCKLINERS/INSOLES. ALSO,
MANY SHOES ARE BOARD-LASTED,
MEANING THAT THERE IS CARDBOARD
BETWEEN THE WEARER'S FOOT AND
THE SHOEBED, MINIMISING ANY
CONTACT PROBLEMS.
Clarks now produce an "allergy list" detailing
safe styles. Note that even footwear with
synthetic soles (Clarks Walking Sandals,
some Clarks children's shoes & Clarks
Springer sandals) may use latex adhesive to
glue in the sock or insole.
Many latex allergics can wear most shoes
without too much difficulty, but if you are
reacting, the lowest risk is unlined footwear
with leather insole and non-rubber sole unit,
or as a last resort having footwear made to
individual specification by bespoke
shoemakers.
Most Nike trainers, but not walking shoes,
are latex-free – but check before you buy.
Nike Total 90 III football boots for Astroturf
are latex-free.
Crocs: Croslite range are latex free.
Green Shoes can make shoes free from
many common allergens.
Try also Ethical Wares and Vegetarian
Shoes if you have problems with some of the
chemicals used in tanning leather.
Marks and Spencer are listing on most of
their shoes what the constituents of the
upper and sole are, but there is no indication
of the glue used.
Wellington boots – some are latex, others
are synthetic rubbers such as PVC or butyl.
Dunlop make some non-latex wellies. The
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 4 COSMETIC WEDGES DO
CONTAIN LATEX.
Boots Baby sponges, Splash and Learn
Sponges, Boots soft sponge applicator,
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,
LOCKER NUMBER BANDS, THONGS,
VERRUCA SOCKS, GOGGLES, NOSE
CLIPS, WET SUITS, SCUBA/SNORKEL
EQUIPMENT, BUNGEE CORDS, TABLE
TENNIS BATS, GOLF CLUBS, ALUMINIUM
BASEBALL BATS, RACQUET/BAT
HANDLES, SKI POLES, BALLS, SAILING
EQUIPMENT, MOTORCYCLE HEADGEAR,
BICYCLE HANDLEBARS, TYRES,
PUNCTURE REPAIR KITS, PEDALS.
FLOOR MATTING (GYMNASTICS,ETC)
USUALLY HAS LATEX NON-SLIP
UNDERSIDE. ALL KAY METZLER AND
CONTINENTAL SPORTS MATS HAVE
LATEX (SPRAYED ON THEN COMBED) ON
BASE. ALL ADIDAS GOALLIE GLOVES
HAVE LATEX ON PALMS. ALL RALEIGH
BICYCLES HAVE NRL IN HANDLEBARS.
ALL SLAZENGER/DUNLOP TENNIS BALLS
DO CONTAIN LATEX IN OUTER COATING.
TENNIS RACQUET HANDLES AMY
CONTAIN NRL.
PVC, butyl rubber, EVA foam, polyethylene,
silicone, vinyl, neoprene or plastic
alternatives, replacement polyurethane
grips.
Very lightweight foam/sponge products such
as swim buoyancy aids are synthetic
(usually polyethylene).
Flexibeam swimming aids do not contain any
latex.
Speedo make a silicone swim cap and some
of their goggles are latex free
Gymnastic matting usually synthetic PU or
polyethylene based chipfoam interior, with
PVC or vinyl covers, but beware of LATEX
BASE (Kay-Metzeler, Continental Sports)
Latex free floor mats can be obtained from
Eveque Leisure Equipment.
Yogamad make a range of cotton yoga
mats.
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,
LABELS. MOST WILL CONTAIN LATEX.
Pritt Roller Fix (Henkel). Scotch Magic Tape
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
TOOTH MASSAGERS
All Colgate battery and manual toothbrushes
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,
DRUMS, KOOSH BALLS, TOY CAR
WHEELS, STRETCH ARMSTRONG, OLD
(PRE 1993) BARBIES, PLASTER
MOULDING KITS, SOME DOG TOYS (ESP
FROM TESCO).
Lots of toys are latex-free - contact
manufacturers for detailed product
information
Most toys at Early Learning Centre
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
CLOTHING. SUSPENDERS AND BELTS
Latex elastic in clothing should be safe if
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:
WASHERS, RUBBER SEALS, PLUMBING
SEALS, PLUGS.
March 2016
LATEX-FREE:
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