the growth of bacteria in latex is an age old problem . to control the growth of bacteria in latex , chemical bactericides are often added to latex . this invention discloses a technique for providing latex with resistance to bacterial growth . it is based upon the discovery that ions of a metal from group ib of the periodic chart , such as copper , silver , or gold , will provide latex with resistance to bacterial growth . the subject invention more specifically discloses a latex which is comprised of a polymer , water , an emulsifier and ions of a metal from group ib of the periodic chart . in most cases , the metal ions will be present in an amount which is within the range of about 1 ppm to about 50 ppm . as a general rule , silver ions are preferred . by utilizing a combination of standard organic chemical bactericides and group ib metal ions , the level of chemical bactericides and metal ions needed to satisfactorily control bacteria growth can be significantly reduced . such a combination of chemical bactericides and group ib metal ions accordingly offers excellent cost advantages and provides treated latex with a high degree of protection against bacterial growth . the present invention further reveals a latex which is comprised of a polymer , water , an emulsifier , ions of a metal from group ib of the periodic chart and an organic chemical bactericide .