Why avoid latex?

Why avoid latex depends on whether you mean natural latex rubber or latex paint, but main reasons are allergy, sensitivity, and material properties. Natural rubber latex contains proteins that can cause allergic reaction in some people, ranging from skin irritation, itching, hives, to severe anaphylaxis, so people with latex allergy must avoid latex gloves, balloons, condoms, and mattresses. About 1 to 6 percent of general population and higher among healthcare workers have latex sensitivity. For mattresses, some avoid latex because of initial rubbery smell, higher cost, heavy weight, and bouncy feel they don't like, preferring memory foam. For latex paint, some avoid because it is less durable than oil based for high wear or exterior metal, and may not adhere well to glossy or bare wood without primer. For LaTeX software, some avoid because steep learning curve. Environmental reasons, some synthetic latex is petroleum based not eco friendly. So main reason to avoid natural latex is allergy risk, as reaction can be serious, plus cost and smell for mattresses, and for paint, durability concerns. If you have latex allergy, you should avoid all natural rubber latex products and use alternatives like nitrile gloves and memory foam mattress.