A stabilized latex with improved antimicrobial features is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, this latex comprises a mixture of 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol and 4,4-dimethyl-oxazolidine or 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol and 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride.