Allergies Health Center

Tips for Creating a Latex-Free Home

Make a clean sweep of your house. Get rid of anything that has latex in it. Here’s where latex may be hiding:

• Rubber sink stoppers and sink mats
• Rubber or rubber-grip utensils
• Electrical cords or water hoses
• Bath mats and floor rugs that have rubber backing
• Toothbrushes with rubber grips or handles
• Tub toys
• Sanitary napkins that have rubber in the lining or adhesive
• Condoms or diaphragms
• Disposable diapers
• Waterproof bed pads with rubber
• Underwear, socks, and clothes with elastic bands that have rubber
• Adhesives such as glue, paste, art supplies, glue pens
• Older Barbie dolls and other rubber dolls
• Rubber bands, mouse and keyboard cords, desktop and chair pads, rubber stamps
• Mouse and wrist pads with rubber
• Keyboards and calculators with rubber keys or switches
• Pens with comfort grip or any rubber coating
• Remote controls for TVs or other appliances with rubber grips or keys
• Camera, telescope, or binocular eyepieces
• Swimming caps and bathing suits with elastic

Alternatives to Latex

There is life after latex!

• Instead of rubber toys, use plastic or cloth toys
• Instead of rubber bottle nipples, use silicone bottle nipples  
• Instead of rubber gloves, use synthetic or cotton gloves
• Instead of shoes with rubber, use leather or man-made material
• Instead of rubber bands, use paper clips, string, or twine
• Instead of a raincoat, use a nylon or synthetic waterproof coat
• Instead of regular balloons, use Mylar balloons

When it comes to condoms, there are latex-free versions made of things like polyisoprene and polyurethane. They offer birth control and can protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Just look for latex-free on the package. Natural membrane (or sheepskin) condoms can work as a birth control alternative to latex, but they don't protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Other Ways to Latex-Proof Your Home

• If your family wears rubber-soled shoes, keep all shoes, boots, and sneakers in covered containers. That’s because some people with latex allergies might react to airborne latex particles from shoes.
• Before you buy clothes or home supplies online or in a store, ask the supplier if they have latex in them.
• If you're having a party, plan in advance to make sure latex isn't there.