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A few years ago, the global silicone manufacturing industry achieved a revenue of $11 billion, trading over 2 million metric tons of silicone products worldwide. In 2022, the US alone consumed over 500,000 metric tons of silicone. Is silicone safe for those allergic to latex?
A report tagged ‘Silicone Market’ revealed that the Silicone market is projected to grow from 18.4 billion dollars in 2022 to 27 billion dollars by 2027. A handful of report by researchers and scientists have testified that Silicone has super properties and benefits responsible for its use in numerous industries.
For example, in the health sector, Silicone has given a great help enabling the performance of complex surgeries like plastic surgeries to be possible. Silicone was used due to its elastic nature and compatibility with the human body.
The compatibility of Silicone with the human body doesn’t stop with medical products. In fact Silicone is medically recommended by dermatologists as a substitute for people with Latex allergy.
In this blog post, you will get detailed knowledge explaining why Silicone is safe for your use, most importantly, people who are allergic to Latex. Also, you get to enlighten others on the best use of Silicone.
What is Silicone?
Silicone is an essential raw material in the manufacturing industry. It was discovered in 1940 by Frederick Stanley and was used to protect products from extreme overheating.
Silicone offers a great alternative for individuals with latex allergy. It is hypoallergenic, meaning it has a low chance of causing an allergic reaction. Silicone is also highly durable, resistant to chemicals, and easier to clean compare to latex. It can be used in a range of products, such as medical devices, kitchenware, and personal care items, providing a safe option for those with latex sensitivities.
Silicone is formed by the chemical combination of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and silicon(element). They are stretchy and elastic in nature. It is a type of polymer known as ‘elastomer’. Elastomers are natural and synthetic polymers which have elastic properties.
The polymers are large molecules made by bonding a series of building blocks. In the Greek word, polymer means many parts. This is one reason Silicone is made up of four basic elements. It’s because it belongs to the class of polymers. Also Silicone is known to be hypoallergenic, odorless, and a taste-neutral substance.
There are two basic types of silicone:
- Food-grade: This is used for producing materials that will have contact with food products. For example, the nipple in baby’s feeders
- Medical-grade: Are pharmaceutical products and implant devices used for breast enlargement, Plastic surgeries etc.
Scientific Studies on Silicone Safety
You might wonder, “Is there any scientific evidence to support the safety of silicone for latex allergy sufferers?” The answer is yes! Several studies have been conducted to assess the allergenic potential of silicone, and the results have been reassuring.
In daily life applications, Silicone is used to produce sealants, cooking utensils, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, thermal and electrical insulation, waterproofing and baby nipples etc. Over half of the world’s population uses Silicone everyday. It’s in our best to really know if it is safe.
What is Latex?
Castilla elastica, natural rubber latex material obtained from a sticky milky fluid tapped from the Hevea tree(Hevea brasiliensis). The tree is sometimes called the rubber by a layman. Latex can be said to be a free gift of nature to mankind for production of daily materials.
Examples of daily materials used in Latex production include gloves, condoms, swim caps, chewing gum, rubber bands, tennis shoes, balloons, even school supplies like erasers etc.
The latex gotten from the Hevea tree is refined to give the brown/yellow rubber around us. Latex comes in two general forms Natural latex and Synthetic latex.
Most of the goods and products manufactured with Latex can also be produced with Silicone. Does it mean Silicone is better than Latex or vice versa? Why is Silicone recommended as a replacement for Latex?
The Difference between Silicone and Latex
Silicone, silex silicis, and Latex have similar uses and characteristics, however, there exist visible differences between them.
First of all, the difference. Latex is a natural material, whereas Silicone is an industrial/artificial material. Since all living things have a lifespan, latex doesn’t last, it comes with a natural aging process which is influenced by Ultraviolet Rays, air, saliva etc.
Silicone on the other hand, retains its shape even after years of production.
Silicone and latex have wide applications. For example, as I am writing this article I have a wristband on my wrist, one of their common products to their uses in the automotive, health and fashion industry.
A major concern is are these substances safe for human use? Yes, to some they are safe to use but unfortunately, some it’s poisonous. This works with the popular saying one man’s meat is another man’s poison. what is allergy from using rubber latex and Silicone?
It best we look into allergy to gain a better understanding of whether it is safe to use one or both substances.
Allergy in Brief…
Allergy can be defined as the body’s reaction to normally harmless substances. These reactions range from little to severe life threatening. It is your body’s reaction to a foreign protein, though these proteins (allergens) are harmless.
If you are allergic to a particular protein your body’s system will react to its presence in your body.
The symptoms of allergies are rashes, runny nose, swollen skins, red or watery eyes etc.
An Allergist is a doctor specializing in the treatment of patients with allergies. If you develop any symptoms of allergy, you should visit an Allergist.
There are different types of allergy which includes food allergy, pet allergy, latex allergy, and pollen allergy. For the purpose of this blog post, we are examining the safe use of latex and Silicone.
What is Latex Allergy?
A stats by mediscope revealed between one to five percent of the general world population are allergic to Latex. According to a recent survey by World meter, it was recorded that the global population is a little bit over eight billion Sapiens in 2024.
One to five percent means a group of over 400 million individuals walking the face of the earth. Sadly, most of the individuals are health practitioners. It is worth knowing what Latex allergy really means?
Latex Allergy is a medical condition in humans caused by reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The proteins present in Latex that cause reactions are beta-1,3-glucans and Hev b 7, a patatin like protein. This kind of allergy can result in difficult breathing, Asthma and has the potential to lead to death if not managed.
People mostly exposed to latex allergy include:
- Health care workers and others who frequently use latex gloves
- People exposed to natural rubber latex
- Anyone who uses latex product such as swim cap, hand bands, runner bands, condoms, pacifiers, balloon etc.
Are you about to join the health sector, or thinking about buying a latex product? Before you do, know your allergy status to latex, the best way is to consult an allergist. An allergist will conduct an allergy blood test or skin prick test to detect the presence of latex allergy.
Most allergies start with symptoms such as a runny nose, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, rashes, itchy skin, and hives. These symptoms can appear after direct contact with latex-containing products or through inhalation of latex particles in the air.
Types of Allergic Reactions to Latex
There are two main types of allergic reactions to latex: Type I and Type IV.
Type I reactions occur immediately after exposure and involve the immune system releasing histamines, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.
Type IV reactions, also known as delayed hypersensitivity, can develop hours or days after contact with latex and cause symptoms like rash, itching, and blistering.
Though it can be managed, most doctors advise complete abstinence from latex products. To achieve complete abstinence from latex, you can find an alternative to latex, one of which is Silicone.
Is Silicone safe for people with Latex Allergy?
Fortunately, most latex products can be produced using Silicone. For example, the gloves used by health practitioners can be produced using Silicone
Is Silicone safe to use? Earlier we defined Silicone to be hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means ‘void of allergens. Hypo means less than normal. This shows Silicone has a very minute presence of allergens.
In most cases the allergens are usually from the materials or contaminants that have been used in the production of Silicone.
Silicone is very safe for people’s use. A review by professionals in The Cosmetic Ingredient panel concluded that silicone in skin care products, such as moisturizers, patches, swimming gears and other products is safe.
The different forms of silicone, such as dimethicone, do not affect the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, and are therefore unlikely to penetrate the skin barrier.
Silicone products do not pose health risks to most people. However, people with acne may want to consult with their doctor or dermatologist before using it to examine the risk of developing clogging pores with certain products or ingredients.
The hypoallergenic nature of Silicone says it all that it is safe to use with no fear of developing reactions.
However, if you’re in doubt, it’s best to see an Allergist to run a test on you.
The production of Silicone involves lot’s of processes which are complex as that is it has become the most popular member in the elastomers family.
Silicone materials have a wide range of applications across various industries. It is a substance proven to be harmless to the human body.
Due to its vast properties, Silicone has a lot of benefits. Examples of the benefits of Silicone include:
- Flexibility
- Malleability
- Clarity
- Temperature resistance
- Water resistance
- Air permeability
- Durability
- Easy to clean
- Nonstick
- Strain- resistant
- Highly gas permeable
- Long-lasting
- Nontoxic
- Non-odorous
Silicone is a substance made from elements naturally occurring in nature. With its properties, it will continue to be useful to mankind. As of now, there hasn’t been any health risk caused by Silicone, maybe in the future. It is a perfect and safe alternative for people with Latex allergy.
Out of the few reports of Silicones allergy, they are as a result of compounds used in producing Silicone, not the substance itself. To be sure, you can meet your allergist for a LRA Silicone hypersensitivity block test. This is a test that checks if you are allergic to Silicone.
Silicones are superior to resisting heat, flame and have great chemical stability. Since they are chemical stable, they don’t react with exposure to other chemicals. They remain inert.
A major ingredient in Silicone, silica is one of the commonly occurring forms of sand. If it’s dangerous, why hasn’t the sand killed us all? This is to say Silicone is safe medically and industrially for our use.
To quench your fear of allergy, Silicones are hypoallergenic, which means it is free of allergy.
Silicones are a safe alternative to latex allergy.
Silicone Alternatives for Latex-Containing Products
One of the challenges faced by latex allergy sufferers is finding suitable alternatives for latex-containing products. Fortunately, silicone offers a wide range of options. Whether it’s medical supplies, kitchen utensils, or personal care items, there are silicone alternatives available for almost every latex-containing product.
Look for silicone-based gloves, pacifiers, menstrual cups, or even prosthetics if needed. With the growing popularity of silicone, manufacturers have made it easier to find suitable replacements that are safe and allergy-friendly.
Selecting Certified Silicone Products
When it comes to silicone products, not all are created equal. To ensure safety, it’s essential to choose certified silicone products from reputable manufacturers. Look for certifications such as FDA approval or medical certifications to guarantee the quality and safety of the silicone you’re using.
Reading product reviews and seeking recommendations from other latex allergy sufferers can also help in selecting reliable silicone products that have been tried and tested by those with similar concerns.
In conclusion, while silicone can be a viable alternative for individuals with latex allergies, it is crucial to approach it with caution. Understanding the distinctions between latex and silicone, along with the potential risks and precautions associated with silicone, is essential for making informed decisions. Consultation with healthcare professionals, reading product labels, and selecting certified silicone products can help minimize the chances of adverse reactions. Ultimately, each individual’s sensitivity to latex and silicone may vary, so it is important to listen to your body and prioritize your health and well-being when choosing materials that come in contact with your skin or body.
