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Latex is a natural ingredient that comes from rubber trees in the form of a milky liquid. There are thousands of species of plants that produce different types of latex, including the Chicle tree that yields the raw material for producing the rubbery material in chewing gum.
Natural latex is usually white, but can be scarlet, orange, and yellow. Plants use latex as a defense against insects. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions. Latex is also used in a wide range of products, such as condoms and some medical devices.