Paint, plants and playdough: unexpected allergy triggers in schools

When we think about allergies in general, food is often the first thing that comes to mind. And it makes sense – food-related allergy incidents dominate the news headlines (the BBC even has a specific category for food allergy-related news), and key pieces of legislation, such as Natasha’s Law and Benedict’s Law, have been introduced in recent years to strengthen protections following food allergy-related tragedies.

❗ An estimated 7% of children in the UK have a food allergy. [BBC News]

❗ 97% of reported allergic conditions in children are food allergies [Natasha's Foundation]

❗Around 20% of serious anaphylactic reactions in school are in children with no prior history of food allergy. [Allergy UK]

So naturally, when we think about allergic reactions in school, we often think of nut-based snacks brought in for the morning break, dairy in school meals, sesame in a packed lunch, and flour used in cooking lessons. Unfortunately, there is much more to allergens than the 14 regulated by the FSA.

A tub of playdough, plants in the polytunnel, a basket of balloons for sports day, and face paint for Halloween. From classrooms and art rooms to science labs, playgrounds, and special days, a surprising range of materials can trigger allergic reactions – some of them severe.

In today's issue of The First-Aid Room, we look at the non-food allergy triggers that school staff are most likely to encounter, what reactions can look like, and how to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions in school.

The bigger picture: why allergic reactions can be unpredictable

We've written extensively this year about allergies and allergic reactions.

Below is an excerpt of Allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock in school: what you need to know, published in March 2026.

An allergy is the response of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance. These substances, known as allergens, are mistakenly identified by the immune system as a threat.

How allergies and allergic reactions develop

1. First exposure to the allergen: A person first comes into contact with a substance that their immune system may later react to. Typically, there may not be an allergic reaction to the substance at this stage, but the immune system identifies it as a potential threat.

2. Antibody production: Because it identifies the substance as a potential threat, the immune system produces antibodies, such as immunoglobulins (IgE).

3. Sensitisation: The immune system “remembers” the allergen, a process called sensitisation. This is why someone may not experience an allergic reaction the first time they are exposed to an allergen, but they may have one if exposed to it again.

4. Repeat exposure: When encountering the allergen again, the immune system recognises it and responds. The antibodies trigger the body’s defence system, which mistakenly treats the allergen as a threat.

5. Chemical release and symptoms: This immune response causes chemicals, such as histamine, to be released by blood cells. This causes a range of symptoms affecting the skin, airways, stomach, and/or circulation.

Ultimately, it is this immune response to a perceived threat that can sometimes lead to a life-threatening reaction.

💡 Good to know

• People with allergies typically do not have an allergic reaction upon first exposure to the allergen, because their immune system has not yet been sensitised to it.
  
• Allergies can appear at any age, and tolerance can change over time.
  
• While some childhood allergies, especially to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, wheat, and soya can be outgrown, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame are more likely to continue into adulthood. [Anaphylaxis UK]
  

Allergy cross-reactivity: when one allergy can overlap with another

Sometimes, an allergic reaction isn't caused by the allergen a person already knows to avoid. Some allergens contain proteins that are similar to those found in other foods, plants or substances, which can cause an allergic reaction when a person is exposed to them.

This is known as allergic cross-reactivity.

Cross-reactivity can also occur between certain fruits and vegetables and latex (latex-food syndrome) or between certain foods and pollens associated with hay fever (pollen-food syndrome). 

This means that while parents and school staff may be well-prepared for a pupil's known tree nut allergy, a reaction to something like coconut or soya milk can still catch everyone off guard.

💡 Good to know: This doesn't mean that pupils with a known allergy will always have a reaction to cross-allergens. Where a pupil has a clinically diagnosed food allergy, healthcare professionals can advise families and schools on whether other related foods or substances should also be avoided.

Common non-food triggers in schools

Playdough and sensory play materials

Playdough is a staple of early years and primary classrooms, but most commercially available playdough, including products from the Play-Doh brand, contains wheat flour, making it a potential risk for children with a wheat or gluten allergy. Other sensory play materials containing wheat, such as dried pasta or semolina used in sensory trays, can pose a similar risk.

Skin contact with gluten-containing materials can cause reactions, including hives, redness, and itching.

💡 Good to know: Gluten-free playdough is widely available and can also be made at home. For classes with a pupil with a wheat or gluten allergy, switching to a gluten-free alternative is a straightforward adjustment that can help mitigate the risk of an allergic reaction.

Latex

A latex allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins found in natural rubber latex, which is used to make balloons, rubber gloves, erasers, elastic bands, and some sports equipment. A latex allergy can cause reactions ranging from skin irritation and hives to, in more severe cases, anaphylaxis.

❗Children with atopic conditions (a tendency to develop allergies) may be at higher risk. [Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust]

In a school setting, latex exposure can happen in more places than staff might expect:

• Balloons: at parties, sports days, and school events

• Rubber gloves: in science, food technology, and first aid situations

• Art equipment, including paints and rubbers

• Erasers and rubber bands

• Some art materials and goggles

• Clothing or PE kit
  

For pupils with a known latex allergy, it can be helpful for schools to consider where latex may be present across the school environment, including in classrooms, playgrounds, PE equipment, and first aid and medical treatment equipment.

💡 Good to know – latex and fruit: Some children allergic to latex also react to certain fruits, including banana, avocado, kiwi, and chestnut. This is known as latex-food syndrome and is due to the proteins in these foods being structurally similar to those in latex. If a child has a known latex allergy, talking with their parents or carers about any other known or potential allergens can help schools understand the individual child’s needs.

Arts & crafts

Art rooms and craft activities introduce a wide range of materials that can trigger allergic reactions, some through skin contact and others through inhalation of particles or fumes.

Some art and craft materials to check include:

• Paints and glues that may contain latex or other allergens

   

• Dyes and inks, which can cause contact dermatitis in some pupils

   

• Feathers, wool, and other natural fibres used in craft projects

   

• Scented materials, including scented paper and essential oils

Face paints are a common feature of school fairs, themed days, and performances, but they can also contain allergens. Checking the ingredients for any known allergens before use can help reduce the risk of a reaction. For children with active facial eczema, it may be best to avoid using face paints.

Plants and nature

Nature tables, gardening clubs, outdoor learning, and science lessons can all bring pupils into contact with plants that may trigger allergic reactions. Pollen is one of the most well-known plant-based triggers, but direct skin contact with certain plants can also cause reactions, including contact urticaria (hives) and, more rarely, serious allergic reactions.

For pupils with known pollen allergies, it may be helpful to consider how outdoor activities can be adapted during periods of particularly high pollen.

Animals

Schools may host visiting animals or take pupils to farms, zoos, and other animal settings as part of educational programmes. Animal fur, dander, saliva, and urine can all trigger allergic reactions, including asthma, rhinitis, hives, and, more rarely, anaphylaxis.

Whether animals are visiting the school or pupils are visiting animals, letting parents and carers know in advance can help them raise any concerns or relevant allergies.

Cleaning products and soap

The soaps, hand sanitisers, and cleaning products used throughout a school day are another overlooked source of allergens. Some contain fragrances, preservatives, or other ingredients that can trigger contact dermatitis or, more rarely, systemic reactions.

For pupils with known skin allergies or eczema, the type of soap available in school bathrooms can make a real difference to their comfort during the school day. Checking with parents or carers about any products that may cause irritation can help schools understand what works best for each child.

Reducing risk without restricting learning

The goal is not to remove every potential allergen from the school environment; that would not be possible or even desirable. Instead, it is about being aware of potential triggers, planning thoughtfully, and knowing how to respond if a reaction occurs.

A pupil does not need to have a known allergy to experience a severe allergic reaction. If a pupil develops symptoms such as sudden swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse during or after an activity, school staff should treat this as a potential anaphylactic reaction, follow emergency procedures, and call 999 immediately.

Practical steps schools can take to reduce the risk of non-food-related-allergic reactions include:

• Checking Individual Healthcare Plans before any activity involving art materials, sensory play, animals, or outdoor learning, and making sure the member of staff leading the activity is familiar with them and knows how to respond in an allergy emergency

• Checking the ingredients of craft materials, playdough, face paints, and soaps before using them with pupils who have known allergies

• Considering latex-free alternatives where possible, such as latex-free gloves, balloons, and erasers

• Making teaching assistants and supply teachers aware of pupils with known allergies before activities involving potential non-food triggers

• Making sure pupils with latex, pollen, or animal allergies have access to their medication during relevant activities

• Encouraging pupils to wash their hands thoroughly after handling craft materials, animals, or natural materials

• Checking with parents and carers before the activity if there is any uncertainty about whether a material is suitable

🎯 If your school uses Medical Tracker, details of a pupil's known allergies, including non-food triggers, can be stored in their Individual Healthcare Plan. When planning a new activity, staff can quickly check if any pupils might be affected and plan ahead to support them.

Allergy Safety in School Supporting Resources:

Below are some practical resources to support your school's approach to allergy safety, covering food allergies, airborne allergens such as pollen, and the recognition and management of anaphylaxis. Together, they promote a joined-up, whole-school approach to recognising allergic reactions, responding appropriately to allergy-related emergencies, and supporting pupils with allergies throughout the school day.

1. Benedict's Law: School Allergy Safety Bill
2. Allergic Reactions: Know the signs and how to respond (A4 Poster for school staff)
3. Know the Signs: Allergic Reactions (A4 School-wide Poster)
4. Childhood allergies: Parent guidance brochure
5. What to do: anaphylaxis
6. Hayfever Symptoms – Staff Quick Guide
7. Asthma and Hayfever Summer Checklist

Although a great deal of care has been put into writing, researching, and reviewing this issue, The First-Aid Room is designed to inform and support school staff, not to replace professional medical advice or your school's own policies. Every pupil is different, and the guidance in this issue should always be read alongside individual healthcare plans and relevant statutory guidance. When in doubt, seek medical advice. In an emergency, call 999.