Latex is considered as a natural product that is derived from a light milky fluid extracted from the rubber. It is widely used in various products and capable of triggering allergic reactions among highly sensitive individuals. Despite the name, latex paint is made out of synthetic components or ingredients and does not generally trigger the similar allergic reaction. On the other hand, some of its components might instigate issues.
History of latex
The natural rubber latex has been utilized throughout the years. Latex paint was widely used back in the 1950s. The supply of rubber has been used up during World War II and the same time when developers decided that they required a sturdier polymer than natural latex for the outdoor environments. Understandably, this led to the development of synthetic latex paint.
What you need to know about latex
Even though latex paint does not contain any natural rubber latex, there are some recognized chemical sensitizers such as ammonia compounds and formaldehyde present.
Formaldehyde is considered as a potent irritant utilized in pathology and embalming that can trigger the development of nasal tumors in rats. It is also possible that healthcare providers can become sensitized to formaldehyde utilized in an occupational setting and end up with symptoms every time they are exposed to latex paint.
What are the possible effects?
The chemical components present in formaldehyde can trigger an immunoglobulin E or IgE allergic reaction. Once this occurs, the immune system identifies the formaldehyde as a threat to the body and triggers the release of IgE antibodies to fight off the allergen. An allergy to formaldehyde can occur either with direct exposure or by inhalation of the gas or particles.
The reaction to formaldehyde depends on the type of exposure. The gas or fumes of formaldehyde released via the paint can trigger burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat as well as chest tightness, skin rashes, fatigue, wheezing and headaches. Recurrent or extended exposure to the skin can lead to allergic contact dermatitis with red, itchy and weeping skin.
Diagnosis
When testing for sensitivity to formaldehyde, the doctor will gather a detailed medical history and utilize a patch allergy test on the skin using a solution that contains urea formaldehyde in petrolatum or melamine formaldehyde in petrolatum or even other resins in isopropyl alcohol or petrolatum.
Prevention and management
It is important to note that it can be difficult to avoid any possible exposure to formaldehyde since it is normally present at low levels in both indoor and outdoor air. In addition, it is one of the widely used chemicals in products such as furniture and paint.
Once an individual has an allergy to this chemical and/or latex paint, it is recommended to utilize an oil-based paint instead. As for the symptoms of contact dermatitis, topical corticosteroids or emollients are needed as well as treatment of any secondary bacterial infections.
Considerations to bear in mind
In rare cases, formaldehyde can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called as anaphylaxis. Prolonged environmental exposure to the gaseous form of formaldehyde such as used in interior latex paint can promote allergen-specific IgE-mediated immune reactions.