@ A latex that is devoid of formaldehyde-containing monomers in polymerized form, does not evolve formaldehyde nor decomposes to produce formaldehyde is used in the production of impregnated or treated paper and woven and nonwoven fabrics. The latex is produced by polymerizing a monomer charge containing at least one principal monomer and a crosslinking agent combination consisting of 0.1 to 10 weight parts of a monounsaturated dicarboxylic acid containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms and 0.1 to 10 weight parts of an amide containing 3 to 8 carbon atoms that does not produce formaldehyde. based on a total of 100 weight parts of all monomers that are polymerized. The articles made with the cured latex are characterized by softness, high wet tensile strength, toughness and other physical properties that reflect a different balance of properties.