Natural Rubber Latex Precautions for Children
- 1. Alleam-it Corporation, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, USA
ABSTRACT
In immune-sensitive children, repeated exposure to natural rubber latex (hevea brasiliensis proteins) can cause severe allergic manifestations of atopy, increased expression of neurotrophins, increased immunometabolism, hypoxia, cytokine overexpression, anaphylactic shock, and atypical behavioral/cognitive development. Infant products manufactured with natural rubber latex include pacifiers, bottle nipples, teething toys, and vaccines. This review presents FDA and CDC natural rubber latex guidelines and suggests exclusionary measures to decrease the incidence of maladaptive immunity and allergy-induced regressive autism.
KEYWORDS
• Natural rubber latex
• FDA
• CDC
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Atopy
CITATION
Dunn DH, Dochniak MJ. Natural Rubber Latex Precautions for Children. Ann Pediatr Child Health 2022; 10(5): 1281.
ABBREVIATIONS
FDA: Food & Drug Administration; CDC: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC; IgE: Immunoglobulin E
INTRODUCTION
This review explores how an exclusionary approach to natural rubber latex (H brasiliensis), is a model of care intended to protect immune-sensitive children. We will disclose research that explores the complex interplay of humoral immunity and neurological development in Autism Spectrum Disorders. United States of America health and safety guidelines and a citizen petition to protect consumers from the immunological hazards of H brasiliensis are discussed.
Allergies in children are the result of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors on disease expression. Although there is a genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental allergens, irritants, and infection determine a patient’s sensitization [1].
Repeated exposure to allergens can cause an increased incidence of sensitization, adverse allergic reactions, and even death through anaphylactic shock. Natural rubber latex (NRL) refers to the milky sap produced by more than 2000 species of plants from about 300 genera [2]. Industrial use of NRL is almost exclusively from the rubber treeHevea brasiliensiswhich contains more than 200 polypeptides, 56 of which have been identified as allergens associated with IgE-mediated immune responses [3]..
Research indicates that many allergies and inflammation of the brain may be the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders [4]. Furthermore, the timing, frequency, intensity, and type of exposure to the H brasiliensis proteins may also influence the incidence, degree of atypicality, and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders [5,6].
Allergy-induced regressive autism is an immune-response perspective that explores how allergens affect neuro-cognitive development. H brasiliensis allergens can trigger IgE antibodies that cross-react with structurally homologous exogenous/ endogenous proteins to induce atopy and auto-immunity [7].
FDA
Citizen Petition Docket No. FDA-2007-P-0243 states that infant products including bottle nipples and pacifiers made from Hevea brasiliensis (Hev-b) natural rubber latex are not required to disclose the protein content of those products. The FDA denied the Petition on July 14, 2020 stating, “The available data indicate that the risk for latex allergy is directly linked to high latex exposures in latex-rich environments like hospitals. Although some studies suggest that atopic infants or children may develop latex sensitization without a history of significant environmental exposure, there is a lack of evidence that this sensitization occurs from lower exposure scenarios, such as the use of latex-contact substances such as bottle nipples. We will continue to monitor this issue to determine what actions if any, should be taken in the future” [8].
Dry natural rubber latex, a component in some bottle nipples and pacifiers contains H brasiliensis allergens that may cause adverse allergic reactions and possibly behavioral regression in immune-sensitive children. If a parent is concerned about the natural rubber latex allergens in children’s products, safety precautions need to be implemented e.g., The only way to avoid latex allergy is to prevent any contact with natural rubber latex products [9].
CDC
Latex in Vaccine Packaging (Appendix B). “Immediate-type allergic reactions due to latex allergy have been described after vaccination, but such reactions are rare. If a person reports a severe anaphylactic allergy to latex, vaccines supplied in vials or syringes that contain natural rubber latex should be avoided if possible. If not, if the decision is made to vaccinate, providers should be prepared to treat immediate allergic reactions due to latex, including anaphylaxis” [10].
Dry natural rubber latex, a component in some vaccine packaging and delivery systems, contains H brasiliensis allergens that can leach into the vaccine solution causing adverse allergic reactions and possibly behavioral regression in immune-sensitive children. If a parent is concerned about the natural rubber latex allergens in vaccines, safety precautions need to be implemented e.g., request vaccines that state, “Not manufactured with natural rubber latex” [11].
CONCLUSION
Natural rubber latex (H brasiliensis), is a potentially hazardous substance, and immune-sensitive children are particularly vulnerable to sensitization from repeated exposure. Efforts to limit exposure is encouraged to reduce the incidence of maladaptive immunity and allergy-induced regressive autism.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank Judith Freeman for continued support.