What is the difference between latex and spandex

Through testing primarily a process of elimination, such as eliminating latex as the allergy source , they do know that spandex allergy is a real condition. On the other hand, since it is very hard to know what specifically causes the reactions certain people have to spandex, it is easy to confuse with other conditions and hard to know how to treat a spandex allergy. For most people, it seems that the cause of their spandex allergy is something akin to chemical sensitivity. This is a material made from processing chemical agents, which have been shown to be sensitizing and allergy producing agents that may remain in small quantities in their unreacted, reaction-producing state.

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Are synthetic apparels eco-friendly? How to remove chlorine smell from Clothing? Some of the chemicals used to manufacture latex — such as thiurams, thioureas, carbamates and mercaptobenzothiazoles — are known allergens. Research scientists and manufacturers have been searching for ways to reduce and eliminate the health hazards of latex by eliminating or reducing the levels of allergenic proteins.

Some of their solutions to reduce the allergenic proteins in natural latex include:. Many of these solutions also tend to reduce the tensile strength and elasticity of natural latex. Botanists have also investigated collecting latex from other latex-producing trees, shrubs and plants but none have been found to equal the latex rubber tree.

Scientists have also worked to develop synthetic latex that would still have the elasticity, impermeability, and tensile strength of natural latex.

For the garment industry, the big breakthrough in an alternative to latex fibers came in when Joseph Shivers, a DuPont chemist, cooked up the first batch of spandex. Spandex came to revolutionize the garment industry and swimsuits have never been the same since. Spandex, also known as elastane in most of the world outside of North American and Australia, has many characteristics that have ingratiated it into the fashion industry. These fibers exploit the high crystallinity and hardness of polyurethane segments, yet remain soft and rubbery due to alternating segments of polyethylene glycol.

Because it is a superior fiber over latex and it does not contain allergen proteins, Lycra has largely displaced latex as a fiber in clothing except in waistbands and other elastic bands sometimes found in clothing such as straps in swimsuits and undergarments.

Pre-made elastic bands of latex are cheaper to sew into clothing than knitted-in bands made of Lycra. As a general rule for the consumer, sewn-in elastic bands are more likely to be made of latex and knitted-in elastic bands are more likely to be made of Lycra.

Some manufacturers wrap their latex waistbands in cloth to keep them from touching sensitive skin around waists and wrists. Most, but not all, manufacturers of natural and organic clothing have realized the health concerns of using latex and replaced latex with Lycra in their garments. The trend for all manufacturers is to replace latex fibers with Lycra fibers. Some manufacturers are doing it for consumer health concerns, some are doing it because the cost of Lycra fibers is coming down and approaching that of latex, and some are doing it because Lycra is more durable and can be spun into finer fibers with superior properties.

If you have doubts or questions if a garment contains latex, ask your retailer. The Problem with Lycra. Some people with chemical sensitivities are unable to wear clothing containing fabrics blended with Lycra. Fiber, fabric and garment finishing processes can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Organic and natural clothing manufacturers try to keep their clothing as healthy, environmentally-friendly and free from toxic chemicals as possible.

Many people with chemical sensitivities are able to wear undergarments containing elastic bands made from Lycra provided that the elastic band is wrapped in organic cotton.

Michael LotusOrganics. August 09, Permalink. Posted by: Ben December 07, at PM. Posted by: Rebecca November 18, at PM. I have a latex allergy type 1. I do believe I have reactions to the chemicals used to produce lycra. Margaret, Washing a new swimsuit several times before wearing will probably reduce the possibility of a reaction but the amount of the reaction will be unknown until you try it. If your reaction is because of residuals from the lycra manufacturing process, they might wash out unless they are chemically bound to the lycra.

If your reaction is caused by the chemical structure of lycra then it is less likely that washing will help. Because there are several variables and the specifics of your allergies are unknown, it is difficult to predict to what degree multiple washing might help.

Latex noun uncountable Natural latex rubber, especially non-vulcanized rubber, such as is used in making latex gloves, latex condoms, and latex clothing. Spandex noun an elastic synthetic fabric. Latex noun A milky or colored juice in certain plants in cavities called latex cells or latex tubes.

Latex noun Any aqueous emulsion of finely divided rubber or plastic particles, especially such an emulsion used as a base for paint; as, a latex paint. Spandex Spandex, Lycra, or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. Latex noun a milky exudate from certain plants that coagulates on exposure to air.

Latex noun a water-base paint having a latex binder. Latex noun a milky fluid found in many plants, such as poppies and spurges, which exudes when the plant is cut and coagulates on exposure to the air. Latex noun a synthetic product resembling latex used to make paints, coatings, etc. Latex Latex is a stable dispersion emulsion of polymer microparticles in water. Latex Illustrations. Spandex Illustrations. Popular Comparisons. Adress vs.

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