The invention relates to a latex composition wherein the latex composition comprises a butyl ionomer or partially halogenated butyl rubber ionomer. The latex composition is formed by dissolving the butyl ionomer in a suitable solvent, emulsifying the polymer in the solvent, adding water and optionally a minor amount of a suitable surfactant system to the emulsion and concentrating the emulsion to remove the water. The advantages of butyl ionomer latex include lower emulsifier levels, increased latex stability, improved interaction and adhesion to polar substrates and surfaces. Through the judicious choice of emulsifiers and/or washing to remove excess emulsifier a film with enhanced non-extractable polymeric antimicrobial function can be created. These properties of ionomer latex are useful in coatings, dipped goods and sponge applications.