Natural rubber: Difference between revisions

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<!--
: ''This article is about the material manufactured from natural latex. For similar petroleum-derived rubber materials, see [[Synthetic rubber]].''
Note: at some point, we should consider writing a separate article for "synthetic rubber", because the background and risks are extremely different. (In fact, synthetic rubber has significantly fewer risks.) We should also consider changing the title of this article to "natural rubber", creating a disambiguation page at "rubber", and redirecting "latex" here.
 
I'm writing this article about "natural rubber" as that's what I'm most familiar with.
 
Doktor 2025/02/14
-->


'''Natural rubber''' is a stretchy, resilient, and waterproof material manufactured from '''latex''', a milky liquid extracted from the rubber tree ''Hevea brasiliensis''.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_rubber</ref>
'''Natural rubber''' is a stretchy, resilient, and waterproof material manufactured from '''latex''', a milky liquid extracted from the rubber tree ''Hevea brasiliensis''.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_rubber</ref>
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Natural rubber is used extensively in many day-to-day applications due to its unique physical properties. It is also used in the crafting of rubber garments and rubber gear.
Natural rubber is used extensively in many day-to-day applications due to its unique physical properties. It is also used in the crafting of rubber garments and rubber gear.


'''Natural rubber''' should not be confused with '''synthetic rubber''', which are artificial materials designed to mimic some or all of the properties of natural rubber. Examples include neoprene and polyisoprene. The risks associated with synthetic rubbers are very different than natural rubber; this article focuses on natural rubber.
A variety of petroleum-derived materials mimic some or all of the properties of natural latex rubber, including nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and neoprene. For information about the risks of these materials, see [[Synthetic rubber]]. The term ''polyisoprene'' generally refers to synthetic rubbers; however, natural rubber is also primarily polyisoprene.


== Appeal ==
== Appeal ==
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Rubber is frequently used as a base material for [[bondage]] gear, including collars, cuffs, and sleepsacks.
Rubber is frequently used as a base material for [[bondage]] gear, including collars, cuffs, and sleepsacks.


== Risk and risk mitigation ==
== Risks and risk mitigation ==


=== Allergies to natural rubber ===
=== Allergies to natural rubber ===


Some people may develop an allergy to natural rubber after repeated exposure to products containing latex. Further contact with with natural rubber can result in hives, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), contact dermatitis, and in severe cases) anaphylaxis.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy</ref>
Some people may develop an allergy to natural rubber after repeated exposure to products containing latex. Further contact with with natural rubber can result in hives, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), contact dermatitis, and (in severe cases) anaphylaxis.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy</ref>


Latex allergies are more prevalent in industries where people have frequent contact with products containing natural rubber<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy#Occupational_exposure</ref>, especially healthcare<ref>The FDA banned the use of powder as a donning agent for disposable latex gloves in 2016, as aerosolized powder can carry latex proteins that may cause allergic reactions. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-ban-most-powdered-medical-gloves</ref>, dentistry, food service, and cosmetology.
Latex allergies are more prevalent in industries where people have frequent contact with products containing natural rubber<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy#Occupational_exposure</ref>, especially healthcare<ref>The FDA banned the use of powder as a donning agent for disposable latex gloves in 2016, as aerosolized powder can carry latex proteins that may cause allergic reactions. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-ban-most-powdered-medical-gloves</ref>, dentistry, food service, and cosmetology.
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'''Mitigation''': People who do not have a latex allergy but experience hives and contact dermatitis upon contact with natural rubber should discontinue contact immediately and consult a medical professional (e.g. a dermatologist) for further advice.
'''Mitigation''': People who do not have a latex allergy but experience hives and contact dermatitis upon contact with natural rubber should discontinue contact immediately and consult a medical professional (e.g. a dermatologist) for further advice.


Separately, some types of silicone-based lubricant may irritate the skin. People who experience symptoms upon contact with natural rubber should consider trying other types of silicone-based lubricant, as some lubricants contain additives that may irritate the skin.
Separately, some types of silicone-based lubricant may irritate the skin. People who experience symptoms upon contact with natural rubber should consider trying other brands of silicone-based lubricant, as some lubricants contain additives that may irritate the skin.


=== Constriction ===
=== Constriction ===
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Rubber can cause significant constriction of body parts if not sized correctly, potentially restricting blood flow and resulting in issues with circulation. Rubber garments that are too tight on joints and bends may cause bruising and soreness.
Rubber can cause significant constriction of body parts if not sized correctly, potentially restricting blood flow and resulting in issues with circulation. Rubber garments that are too tight on joints and bends may cause bruising and soreness.


'''Mitigation''': Proper sizing is critical to comfortable wear of rubber garments. Before buying rubber garments, take measurements to ensure the correct size is ordered. If possible, ask a friend to take measurements.
'''Mitigation''': Proper sizing is critical to comfortable wear of rubber garments. Before buying rubber garments, take measurements to ensure the correct size is ordered. If possible, ask another person to take measurements.


If received garments are too tight, work with the manufacturer to fix sizing issues.
If received garments are too tight, work with the manufacturer to fix sizing issues.
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