Another aspect of Hevea protein allergy is the fact that the latex allergens have
been reported to occur in the particulates derived from rub-off and wear of tyres.
The presence of allergens in particulates possibly worsens asthma symptoms in
sensitised patients (Namork et al., 2006). Other research, however, suggests that
Hevea dry rubber products (cut thread, hot water bottles and divers' flippers were
tested) contain extremely low amounts of residual extractable protein contents, and
show very low or negligible allergenicity (Yip et al., 1995).