Latex allergy.
Natural rubber latex (NRL) has been exploited commercially for more than 100 years. It is derived from
the milky sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, found in tropical climates such as Southeast Asia. Latex is
harvested from the tree by a process called tapping, which has been described as a controlled wounding
of the tree. The world's total consumption of natural rubber latex is about 5,5 million tons per year. The
liquid which is collected from the tree is called field latex and is made up of water, 30%to 40% rubber, and
about 3% nonrubber material.
Ansell Perry, Inc., Massillon, Ohio.
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