In our online corn allergy support groups of over 11K
members, there have been many reports of allergic reactions after licking
envelopes. According to the Envelope
Manufacturing Association, “envelope adhesive these days is made from corn.” An anaphylactic reaction after licking corn-derived
envelope glue was recently reported in one corn allergy group.
Reprinted with permission by S.D.,
greater Boston area:
"I
just want to warn others not to lick envelopes. After licking 60+ envelopes at
work my throat started to close up. I then looked up the ingredients. I did not even think to worry about corn in
the envelope. The sudden onset of this allergy is eye opening and quite frankly
scary since I’ve never dealt with anaphylaxis before."
Since
corn allergies have increased by 820.2% in the last 73 months, we may read more
reports of reactions to many of the products outlined in the following article. According to Iowa Corn, these are just a few
of the products manufactured with corn; therefore, if corn were declared an official
allergen subject to FDA labeling requirements, nearly everything on our planet
would require a corn allergy warning.
INDUSTRIAL STARCH USES
|
Paper, recycled paper
|
Cardboard
|
Textiles
|
Glues and adhesives
|
Batteries
|
Bookbinding
|
Cleaners, detergents
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Coatings on paper, wood and metal
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Color carrier for printing
|
Crayons and Chalk
|
Dyes
|
Fireworks
|
Industrial filters and water recovery
|
Lubricants
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Ore and oil refining
|
Paints
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Plastics
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Rubber tires
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Surgical dressings
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Wallboard and wallpaper
|
Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911
References:
July, 2019, Month-End Corn Allergy Statistics: 820.2%
Increase in 73 Months
“Corn: It's Everything," Iowa Corn
“The lickable strip, which is called the gum, is
usually dextrin-based adhesive, Benjamin said. Dextrin adhesives are made from potato or corn starches [emphasis
added], which makes the glue safe to lick.” [Unless you are allergic to corn or potatoes.]
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/539q73/why-is-licking-envelopes-still-a-thing
“. . . and in the U.S., lickable envelope glue is made from corn [emphasis added] . . .”
“. . . and in the U.S., lickable envelope glue is made from corn [emphasis added] . . .”
“The adhesive used on the flap of envelopes falls
under the category of starch- and dextrin-based adhesives. Such adhesives can
be made from a variety of starchy plant materials, including corn, potato,
tapioca, sago, and—eek!—wheat. In practice, however, corn and potato are what’s
actually used, as noted in the Envelope Manufacturers Association Foundation
report, “Envelope Adhesives Technical Paper.” Its sister organization, the EMA, more specifically notes that
envelope adhesive these days is made from corn [emphasis added], and is
gluten-free.”
“Gum arabic is edible and safe. Some envelope glue is made from
petroleum-based chemicals as well, but these are also safe.” [Unless you are allergic to corn or petroleum (a
toxic chemical). I have
physician-diagnosed allergies to both.]
“Signs You're Allergic to Petroleum”
“According to the Ecology Center, petroleum and its by-products can cause illnesses more serious than just allergies. The toxic effects of petroleum products on the human body have been linked to serious respiratory conditions, disruption of the endocrine system and developmental problems in infants exposed before birth. Some EPA studies also suggest the petroleum distillates in pesticides, sometimes ingested in food products, can be linked to some cancers and disturbances of the nervous and reproductive systems.”[emphasis added]
“According to the Ecology Center, petroleum and its by-products can cause illnesses more serious than just allergies. The toxic effects of petroleum products on the human body have been linked to serious respiratory conditions, disruption of the endocrine system and developmental problems in infants exposed before birth. Some EPA studies also suggest the petroleum distillates in pesticides, sometimes ingested in food products, can be linked to some cancers and disturbances of the nervous and reproductive systems.”[emphasis added]
Corn Allergy References, Studies, & Statistics
(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission,
Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that
hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html
I don't usually lick envelopes as the gum used to be from wheat. But I heard they are made from other ingredients now and decided to lick a few xmas cards. Today my mouth is swollen and numb-like, sore and red. That is the only thing I have done different. Has anyone else had this problem?
ReplyDeleteI
There are currently about 12K members in online corn allergy support groups, and allergic reactions from licking envelopes has been reported on numerous occasions; particularly from members who are anaphylactic to corn.
DeleteIt's weird I get a Itchy tongue when licking envelopes but I am not allergic to corn. I eat corn on the cob and corn bread and things made with corn meal and have no reaction. So what else other then corn is in the envelope glue cause I would like to avoid it if I can.
ReplyDeleteAs noted in the articles I referenced, the glue used on envelope flaps is "usually" derived from corn; however, it can also be sourced from other starches; e.g., potato, tapioca, wheat, etc.
Delete