Domestic Desert Plant And Allergy Free Latex

[I:http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/extras/pics/davewalkerimage1.jpg]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.

During WWII, the powerful demand for this Asian natural resource put our country in a compromised position. To offset the latex shortage, we turned to an interesting plant that could be grown in the American Southwest, a lowly shrub called guayule (pronounced “why yoo lee”). A natural rubber was processed from the guayule bark. One ton of latex could be harvested from one acre of land. However, at the end of the war with world latex crops once again accessible, the demand for domestic guayule dissipated and guayule cultivation came to an end.

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.

With the new awareness of HIV in the’80′s, the use of latex gloves exploded in medical settings. Subsequently with this increased exposure, allergies to latex proteins had a dramatic rise. Today nitrile gloves or neoprene can provide a healthy alternative. But the prospect of an allergy free latex for medical supplies, as well as for other industrial applications, is a promising idea.

It turns out that the guayule bush has a lot more going for it than just its allergy free latex. Processing the latex from the plant only requires the use of pure water, no chemicals or environmentally threatening solvents. Being a desert native, it requires very little water for its cultivation and it does not compete for food crop acreage. Guayule is a perennial which ensures years of harvesting from a single planting. It is naturally resistant to insects and blight. The pulp that is left over after latex extraction which is called bagasse has many bio fuel possibilities. Guayule is indeed a little plant with big potential.

An experienced glove expert, Jen directs Web Support Communications for an online retailer of Disposable Gloves. Organizing a library of documents and resources for coping with gloves, Jen invites your contribution: Disposable Gloves Help and Support