Abstract
We analyzed the latex antigens in rubber products, i.e., gloves, baby bottle nipples, baby pacifiers, rubber balloon, rubber ball and toy caterpillar, by immunoblotting, inhibition ELISA and inhibition immunoblotting. The rubber gloves and rubber balloon were found to contain some common latex antigens present in C-serum to a much greater degree than the other rubber products.
It has recently been reported that diethylhexyl phthalic acid, one of the endocrine disruptors, was detected at a high concentration in meals prepared by using polyvinyl chloride gloves. It is thus proposed that the incidence of allergy by using rubber gloves will increase in our daily life. Although latex allergy is not commonly recognized in Japan, persons who are frequently exposed to latex antigens should be cautious of the immediate type of allergy.
