Did you know that processed sap from rubber trees is our second largest raw material import? Second only to petroleum in import size, we use this product in everything from building supplies to latex gloves. Natural rubber is present in so many of our everyday objects that we don’t give its source a second thought. Ironically, because of its myriad presence and usefulness, our population has a growing allergy response to the proteins in the latex.

When we were cut off from Asian resources for rubber latex during WWII, industries would have been crippled if it were not for domestic resourcefulness that included farming a lowly little Southwestern desert shrub called guayule (pronounced “why you lee”). Natural rubber could be processed from its bark at the effective ratio of one ton of latex per one cultivated acre of land. But at the end of the war with Asian markets once again open, the little guayule plant receded into the shadows of the American desert.

Once again, however, guayule appears to be a sleeper crop in wake-up mode. Researchers and entrepreneurs are currently poised to cash in on one of its fascinating properties. Guayule latex is allergy free and the benefits could be far reaching.

Allergies to latex manifest themselves with varying degrees of discomfort and seriousness. The gamut runs anywhere from hay-fever like symptoms, blisters on the skin, breathing difficulties or to anaphylactic shock which can be a life or death situation. It is little wonder that medical patients are routinely queried about latex allergies. For the long-term safety of both patients and staff, growing numbers of medical environments are moving toward becoming latex-free environments.

Latex glove usage increased multifold during the 1980’s when HIV awareness triggered new public health practices. This increase had allergy repercussions over time for both medical workers and patients. Nitrile gloves or neoprene gloves have since come into their own, serving as safe, durable alternatives to latex in medical settings. But the thought of latex making a comeback in an allergy- free form and from a domestic crop is intriguing.

Guayule’s beauty exceeds its allergy free latex. Only pure water is required to extract guayule’s latex, no harmful chemicals of any sort are necessary. Being a desert native, guayule needs very little water to produce a harvest and it is not in competition with food producing crops. A perennial, it produces crops for years from a single planting and has natural pest resistance. Syngas and other bio fuel are realistic byproducts of the plant’s remainders once the latex has been extracted. This is indeed one environmentally friendly little plant.

Our author, Jen Long is a South Carolina glove pro and Director of Web Support for an online retailer of Disposable Gloves Products. She manages an online center for people dealing with wearing gloves: Lots of Latex Gloves.

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