Replies

1. 
   Kevin | Aug 13, 2005 09:05am | #1

   Well, I'm not an expert on allergies. But, my understanding is that they are very specific. If she is allergic to Latex then just stay away from Latex-based products and you should be fine. The only thing that can set off a Latex allergy is Latex. As long as she doesn't have some other allergies which you aren't aware of, there shouldn't be a problem.

   Shellac should be fine... no latex there. The Butcher's wax likewise should be fine for the same reason. A whole multitude of finish materials contain zero Latex. Any of the solvent or oil based finish materials should be completely Latex free.

   Water-based house paints tend to have latex. Although, many are really not true Latex paints because of the newer Acrylic and Vinyl resin versions which don't use Latex rubber.

   Some, but not all, water-based wood finishes are based on latex resin too. Other than those two finish/paint groups I don't think you have anything to worry about.

   BTW, a lot of folks like wearing disposable gloves when finishing or painting. Nitrile gloves not only don't contain any Latex, but they're tougher and more solvent resistant than Latex disposable gloves.

   
   

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   Edited 8/13/2005 2:11 am ET by Kevin

2. 
   Gretchen | Aug 13, 2005 03:45pm | #2

   Just a small question. HOW can she be a nurse today and not be able to wear latex gloves.

   Gretchen
1. 
   baldmountain | Aug 13, 2005 04:08pm | #3

   My wife was a nurse and she has latex allergies. The hospital can get non-latex gloves. They are more expensive so the hospital would prefer not to but will if you are allergic.The scary thing about latex allergies is they tend to get worse with contact. The more you are in contact with latex the worse the reaction. With enough contact you can litterally go into anaphelactic (sp?) shock.

2. 
   Kevin | Aug 13, 2005 07:32pm | #4

   Neoprene, Nitrile, Styrene and PolyVinyl Choride examination and surgical gloves are on the market. All are completely Latex-free.

   I've been using Nitrile gloves for about 7 years now. Not only do they keep my hands clean, but they also help prevent inadvertantly contaminating surfaces to be painted, which is important with the higher performance automotive paint materials. The advantage of Nitrile over the others (including Latex) is that it is solvent resistant. They don't resist solvents for long. But, none of the other types resist solvents at all. So, these work better.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 16, 2005 09:09pm | #8

   Nitrile gloves are the BEST! Bit expensive but worth the cost.. My opinion only...

3. 
   forestgirl | Aug 13, 2005 08:03pm | #5

   Many, many patients are also allergic to latex.  One of the questions they ask when you go into surgery is about allergies, and specifically latex allergy.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   MarkRD | Aug 13, 2005 09:32pm | #6

   You'll also notice that you cannot buy latex balloons for gifts at hospitals anymore. Only Mylar!MarkVisit my woodworking blog Dust Maker

3. 
   WayneL5 | Aug 13, 2005 10:42pm | #7

   After careful selection you could do a test piece and ask her to handle it just to be sure before you risked your piece.  She would know what to do if she had a reaction to your test.  Obviously, you would only test something you were quite certain did not contain any latex at all.