Latex was discovered in the mid 1700s. Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree HEVEA BRASILIENSIS. It wasn’t until the early 1930s before it became widely used. During the last 50 years, latex has been used in products ranging from household rubber gloves to auto tires. (Note: House paint that has Latex on the label is NOT made from the sap of the rubber tree).
The natural latex from the rubber tree has been sighted as a cause of allergic reactions in people since 1979. In 1979, a housewife was the first reported link between rubber gloves made with latex and skin irritation. This type of link between natural products and human reactions is well documented. For example, some people will break out in a rash from poison ivy, while others will not. People most likely to be at risk for latex reactions are children with Spina bifida, health care workers and those with an occupational exposure to latex on a daily basis.
The most common form of a latex reaction is for the skin to become irritated and red. While still uncommon, some people will have a strong reaction to latex and need medical attention to overcome the reaction. Patients in the hospital who have had repeated surgical procedures are most likely to develop a reaction to latex.
The need for a latex free surgical environment is becoming a major need for hospitals. King Systems offers a number of latex-free options for hospital. First, none of the King Systems face masks, airway devices, or breathing circuits contain latex. The only components found in a King Systems standard breathing system containing latex are the breathing bag and head strap. Both of these items are available in latex-free versions. King Systems is committed to meeting the changing needs of healthcare, and our latex-free products are an example of that commitment.
To view King Systems' Product Material Verification letter regarding the presence of latex in its products, please click here.