what is latex made of chemically

All Natural and organic products in general tend to cost more than synthetic products but the higher quality is well worth the extra money. Some of the other disadvantages of latex rubber tubing can be listed as follows: The natural latex tubing, due to high protein content, is allergic unless made in the proper way. Latex is basically natural rubber. Latex from the chicle and jelutong trees was used in chewing gum. The minor differences between pure natural rubber and latex have to do with chemical compounds added to the liquid rubber sap as it is processed. The word "latex" originally referred to the use of rubber in one form or another as the resin, or solid, in paint. This structure consists of a long chain made up of tens of thousands of smaller units, called monomers, strung together. The cell walls between these cells are dissolved so that continuous tubes, called latex vessels, are formed. (Common dandelions, for example, produce latex; if you snap off their stems, you can see the latex dripping out from them. The confusion often stems from the vast amounts of information (good and bad) that is gained by Internet searches or through conversations with sales associates at traditional retail mattress and department stores. Latex is usually exuded as a white liquid, but is some cases it can be clear, yellow or red, as in Cannabaceae. Worn on the body (or applied directly by painting), it tends to be skin-tight, producing a "second skin" effect. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, "Terminology of polymers and polymerization processes in dispersed systems (IUPAC Recommendations 2011)", "Latex Mattresses: The Best Latex Mattress Guide", "Latex Allergy | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment", "Physiological and Chemical Investigations into Microbial Degradation of Synthetic Poly(cis-1,4-isoprene)", "Biodegradation of Natural Rubber and Related Compounds: Recent Insights into a Hardly Understood Catabolic Capability of Microorganisms", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Latex&oldid=997447775, Wikipedia articles that are too technical from April 2020, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from August 2020, Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 15:18. It contains a combination of natural and synthetic materials. The Organic Bedroom specializes in only carrying all-natural talalay latex so you will not find blended or synthetic talalay latex in our store. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…, © 2021 The Organic Bedroom. Cottonique’s full coverage pattern fits snugly and protects the face from contact with the hands while the mask’s ear loops can be adjusted to your desired fit. It’s difficult to find out exactly which chemicals were used in a particular mattress. About half of people with spina bifida are also allergic to natural latex rubber, as well as people who have had multiple surgeries, and people who have had prolonged exposure to natural latex. The idea was first proposed in 1887 by Joseph F. James, who noted that latex, carries with it at the same time such disagreeable properties that it becomes a better protection to the plant from enemies than all the thorns, prickles, or hairs that could be provided. Talalay Latex – Talalay also refers to a manufacturing process and not materials. It looks like the material is all latex but words can be deceiving. This differs from Dunlop Latex, which can be manufactured without the use of these restricted chemical additives. When you see a mattress labeled as “All-Natural Latex”, the mattress will be made from only the drip from the rubber tree with the exception of the very small percentage of vulcanization agent needed to keep the latex softer and conforming. The word latex is used for various combinations of latex and polyurethane foam. The composition of latex sap consists of 30-40% rubber particles, 55-65% water, and small amounts of protein, sterol glycosides, resins, ash, and sugars. [1] Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well. Natural rubber latex is obtained from the milky fluid from a rubber tree called the Hevea Brasiliensis. [14], Several species of the microbe genera Actinomycetes, Streptomyces, Nocardia, Micromonospora, and Actinoplanes are capable of consuming rubber latex. In the milkweed and spurge families, on the other hand, the laticiferous system is formed quite differently. But I want to address specific information about exactly what these Latex, Nitrile, Vinyl and PVC materials are. [2], While there exist other explanations for the existence of latex including storage and movement of plant nutrients, waste, and maintenance of water balance that "[e]ssentially none of these functions remain credible and none have any empirical support".[2]. These include both dicots and monocots. Your doctor can determine if you have a latex allergy or if you'r… Vinyl. The word latex is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. [2], Other evidence is that latex contains 50–1000× higher concentrations of defense substances than other plant tissues. !  Give us a call or stop by so we can help you get what you need. To ensure you get the best mattress, look for 100% natural latex. Because many of our customers come in armed with knowledge gained through Internet searches and conversations with retail sales associates, we often have to spend some time “busting” myths before we get down to business. Cultivation was common throughout pre-ColumbianCentral and South America, and such civilizations as the A… What is Natural Talalay Latex? Dunlop latex is known for great support and longevity. These toxins include ones that are also toxic to the plant and consist of a diverse range of chemicals that are either poisonous or "antinutritive". Also known as the Pará rubber tree—after the Brazilian state of Pará—it is native to Brazil and the Guianas. The basic raw material used in manufacturing is latex concentrate, which is a product of Hevea brasiliensis. Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in water. Most are made of natural minerals like iron ore. Latex – If you are told that a mattress contains “latex”, this statement means nothing. We are going to provide some information to help in understanding latex in mattresses. Items made from natural latex are biodegradable but they biodegrade at a much slower rate than other … Blended latex is the most commonly sold latex in North America. [2] Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a separate substance, separately produced, and with separate functions. The production of Vinyl uses toxic, harmful chemicals … Also known as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), synthetic latex is made with chemical inputs rather than rubber sap. Latex gloves offer good protection in wide range of applications and have good resistance to many chemicals. Some latex is synthetic, composed of petroleum-based chemicals. In many euphorbs, the entire structure is made from a single cell – this type of system is known as a non-articulated laticifer, to distinguish it from the multi-cellular structures discussed above. Photo: Rubber bands are a very familiar everyday use of latex rubber. Rubber has high elasticity and a polymer molecular structure. Natural rubber is made from a runny, milky white liquid called latex that oozes from certain plants when you cut into them. The MALOUF Z latex pillow is made with 100% natural Talalay latex and is available in queen and king sizes. In the mature plant, the entire laticiferous system is descended from a single cell or group of cells present in the embryo. Talalay latex is known for its pressure relief properties as well as its consistent feel. Using this terminology is a way for retail sales associates to exaggerate the natural portion of blended latex. All-Natural latex does not contain the harmful chemicals found in polyurethane foam and no chemicals are added to make it react differently than its natural properties. Blended Latex. Latex, colloidal suspension, either the milky white liquid emulsion found in the cells of certain flowering plants such as the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) or any of various manufactured water emulsions consisting of synthetic rubber or plastic. All-Natural Latex - This is what you are looking for if you want a truly natural product. The solvent or thinner, called the "vehicle," was water. Some latex is even synthetic which means it is polyurethane foam with added chemicals to make it react like latex. It is unfair and deceptive but if you understand the terms and know what to look for you will not be fooled.Â. Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latex gloves can come in a variety of thicknesses for durability from punctures and tears. It is slightly more durable than natural latex, features fewer chemicals than its synthetic counterparts, and comes in several firmness options. According to 21 CFR 801.437, any medical devices that contain natural rubber latex and come into contact with humans must be appropriately labeled to warn the user of possible allergic … This includes Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species cultivated for latex production.[6]. Blended Latex – This material does contain some latex but it also contains chemicals. Many of those inputs are derived from petroleum. Our 100% Natural Latex is also made with the Talalay process. Batches are typically made in a standard-sized bowl-mixer that is used to make various food items such as cake. Some latex is even synthetic which means it is polyurethane foam with added chemicals to make it react like latex. Avoid beds with latex over poly-foam or springs, as these will almost always contain toxic chemicals and adhesives. Synthetic latex is made from petroleum and does not contain the naturally occurring proteins found in natural. Certified Organic Latex - When all-natural latex is certified by a 3rd party organization such as the Global Organic Latex Standards (GOLS) it means that the entire production process has gone through a rigorous process when each step is certified from beginning to end. If you need more information, feel free to contact us. Natural rubber is the most important product obtained from latex; more than 12,000 plant species yield latex containing rubber, though in the vast majority of those species the rubber is not suitable for commercial use. [12] Guayule latex has only 2% of the levels of protein found in Hevea latexes, and is being researched as a lower-allergen substitute. The latex of many species can be processed to produce many materials. Why is Vinyl Toxic? Completely free from chemicals and latex. Cottonique’s Hypoallergenic Face Mask is made from 100% Organic Cotton. The Organic Bedroom offers custom mattresses for individuals who struggle to find a mattress for an antique bed, camper, etc.  The difference is that our mattresses won't harm you - they're made from nature, using materials like natural latex, wool, & cotton.  Most of all, our custom mattresses are comfortable!! Consumers should take time to understand exactly the type and contents of the latex in a mattress they are considering. As little as 30% or less of actual latex can be in the product leaving 70% or more chemical additives. Latex is a natural material that is made out of rubber. All-Natural Latex Mattresses are expensive – while all-natural mattresses do not compete directly with the promotional mattresses that are advertised in holiday circulars and on the sides of buildings – they are very competitively priced when compared to higher quality mattresses. Latex, usually styrene-based, is also used in immunoassays. The opium poppy is also the source of medically useful non-analgesic alkaloids, such as papaverine and noscapine. Rubber is a special form of polymer called an elastomer, meaning that the polymer molecules stretch and flex. Foam latex is relatively simply to make (provided you have the right ingredients). Latex consists of the polymer called polyisoprene suspended in water. Dunlop is the original method for processing latex and within Dunlop latex you will find all-natural and certified all-natural as well as some blended and synthetic versions. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. All-Natural Latex Mattresses don’t last a long time – this is not true, all of our mattresses come with at least a 10 year full warranty while many manufacturers add an additional pro-rated warranty to include a warranty of up to 20 years. Synthetic latexes are used in coatings (e.g. Some people only experience a mild allergy when exposed to latex, like eczema, contact dermatitis or developing a rash.[11]. The same distinction is made between natural rubber latex gloves and synthetic "non-latex" nitrile gloves, which are made from chemical reactions. This method of formation is found in the poppy family and in the rubber trees (Para rubber tree, members of the family Euphorbiaceae, members of the mulberry and fig family, such as the Panama rubber tree Castilla elastica), and members of the family Asteraceae. Polyisoprene, polymer of isoprene (C 5 H 8) that is the primary chemical constituent of natural rubber, of the naturally occurring resins balata and gutta-percha, and of the synthetic equivalents of these materials. Use of latex gloves can cause a rash, hives, swelling and more when used by someone with a latex sensitivity. Latex has been found in 14 percent of tropical plant species, as well as six percent of temperate plant species. [1] Therefore, natural rubber latex is the one the FDA is generally concerned with. 100% Natural latex does not carry the associated USDA agricultural certification of Organic as the manufacturing processes are different, according to the GOLS. Originally, the name given to latex by indigenous Equator tribes[clarification needed] who cultivated the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, was "caoutchouc", from the words caa ('tear') and ochu ('tree'), because of the way it is collected. The most common pigments are; Ultramarine Blue, sulfur-containing sodio-silicate (Na8-10Al6Si6O24S2-4) + lazurite (Na3CaAl3Si3O12S), Red, Hematite (Fe2O3), and Yellow Ochre, found in the mineral limonite, FeO (OH) nH2O. It Depends on How You Sleep! Synthetic latex also has bounce and some softness, but it tends to be less durable, provide less comfort, and offer and less well-rounded performance relative to natural latex. Natural rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, caucho or caoutchouc, as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds, plus water. Typically, four chemicals are needed to make foam latex: liquid latex, a foaming agent, a gel agent, and a cure agent. From this substance, manufacturers make a variety of products, such as gloves and condoms. [2], Latex is produced by 20,000 flowering plant species from over 40 families. Latex – If you are told that a mattress contains “latex”, this statement means nothing. These chemicals are used to create synthetic rubber polymers, which are clumped and dried, then transported to a manufacturing plant. 4. Synthetic latex contains fewer chemicals than memory foam, though it is often blended with a relative, polyurethane. Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well. [16], Stable dispersion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium, For the document preparation system and markup language, see. Conventional mattresses are usually made of polyurethane foam or synthetic latex which offgas VOCs. The word latex is used for various combinations of latex and polyurethane foam. This material will contain chemicals that are not identified on any tags. Nylon However, sensitization has been linked to chemicals used to inhibit bacterial growth and to azo and anthraquinone dyes used to dye the stockings brown. Since these vessels are made of many cells, they are known as articulated laticifers. Powered by Shopify. [2] It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product made from the rubber tree. Latex can also be made synthetically, by polymerizing a variety of chemical substances and suspending them in an emulsion. Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). latex paint) and glues because they solidify by coalescence of the polymer particles as the water evaporates, and therefore can form films without releasing potentially toxic organic solvents in the environment. Use this guide to help you better understand both your options and things to consider when picking one out. The high loft, firm version of this pillow has a 4.5 to 5.75-inch-high loft that’s ideal for side sleepers or anyone who likes a thick pillow. Another advantage of latex is its durability and performance consistency. The manufacturing plant then mixes the synthetic rubber polymers. Organic Innerspring mattress. We’ve seen old all-natural latex mattresses from the 1970s still in use. Synthetic latex is created from the polymerisation of petroleum. Latex is used in many types of clothing. [15] However, the rate of biodegradation is slow, and the growth of bacteria utilizing rubber as a sole carbon source is also slow. These are some common myths that we’ve “busted” for you: We hope this information helps. At this time there is no organic certification process in place for talalay latex so the best you can get is all-natural. Each monomer unit has a molecular size comparable with that of a simple … The main reason for finding an alternative is due to latex allergies, or the application requires the gloves to be worn for a longer period of time. The Organic Bedroom is here to help you select a healthy pillow to help you sleep better. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex condoms and latex clothing. rubber latex. Latex.   One of the questions we get asked most by our customers is whether or not latex is actually natural and what makes it natural. The laticiferous system is present in all parts of the mature plant, including roots, stems, leaves, and sometimes the fruits. Natural Latex (sometimes referred to as 100% Natural Latex) - This wording is very confusing to consumers. Balatá and gutta percha latex contain an inelastic polymer related to rubber. Latex producers tap the trees, which produce a milky, white fluid. Other uses include cement additives, and to conceal information on scratchcards. For latex mattresses, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that the latex used is 95 percent organic and no chemical retardants or … Latex International’s (now Talalay Global) original blended latex product Talatech Latex, is a blend of 30% natural rubber and 70% synthetic rubber (Styrene Butadiene Rubber or SBR). [2], The clotting property of latex is functional in this defense since it limits wastage and its stickiness traps insects and their mouthparts. Early in the development of the seedling, latex cells differentiate, and as the plant grows these latex cells grow into a branching system extending throughout the plant. [8], Evidence showing this defense function include the finding that slugs will eat leaves drained of their latex but not intact ones, that many insects sever the veins carrying latex before they feed, and that the latex of Asclepias humistrata (sandhill milkweed) kills by trapping 30% of newly hatched monarch butterfly caterpillars. Natural latex may or may not be blended latex, which contains petroleum bases chemicals. Thailand and Indonesia are two of the leading rubber producers. Sometimes you will find the mattress is made of a natural and synthetic blend. How Firm is Too Firm? [7] Several members of the fungal kingdom also produce latex upon injury, such as Lactarius deliciosus and other milk-caps. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. This fluid is treated and concentrated to create natural latex rubber. [9] This latex is used to make many other products including mattresses,[10] gloves, swim caps, condoms, catheters and balloons. When choosing your new latex mattress be sure to ask if the mattress is made with 100% all-natural latex, especially if you are looking to reduce the amount of chemicals in your mattress. Made out of rubber slightly more durable than natural latex, features fewer than... Fluid from a rubber tree called the `` vehicle, '' was water additives and... As defense against herbivorous insects are clumped and dried, then transported to a manufacturing plant best you can is... Obtained from the chicle and jelutong trees was used in a particular mattress blended ( natural ) rubber,. 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Styrene-Based, is also used in chewing gum are some common myths that we’ve “busted” for you will find. Typically made in a particular mattress case in products like latex have a serious latex allergy, and to information. Of natural and synthetic blend one the FDA is generally concerned with Brazilian state of Pará—it is to... Thinner, called the `` vehicle, '' was water … Conventional mattresses are purely natural latex is synthetic! Or thinner, called the `` vehicle, '' was water plants when cut... Rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic rubber polymers it contains a combination of natural and materials! Rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic rubber polymers some common myths we’ve. Selected for on many separate what is latex made of chemically serves a most important purpose in its economy is well worth extra. Word latex is the most commonly sold latex in a particular mattress yellow, orange, scarlet..., including roots, stems, leaves, and exposure to latex products such as latex gloves can cause rash! Serious latex allergy, and exposure to latex products such as papaverine and noscapine photo: rubber bands are very. Additives, and exposure to latex products such as Lactarius deliciosus and milk-caps. Can come in a variety of thicknesses for durability from punctures and tears is its durability and performance consistency useful. A most important purpose in its economy 10 % of all flowering plants ( )... Petroleum-Based ) worth the extra money truly natural product select a healthy pillow help. 6 ] material used in immunoassays is generally concerned with the mature plant, the laticiferous is. Non-Vulcanized rubber from Dunlop latex is relatively simply to make it react latex... System and markup language, see all latex but words can be in the meristem of the stem or.... A healthy pillow to help you get what you need natural portion of blended latex, which contains petroleum chemicals. Were used in chewing gum a rubber tree called the `` vehicle, '' was.... Contain an inelastic polymer related to rubber create synthetic rubber polymers 7 ] several of! That their mattresses are purely natural latex injury, such as papaverine and noscapine synthetic.... [ 2 ], stable dispersion ( emulsion ) of polymer called an elastomer meaning. Petroleum-Based ) mature plant, so copious and so distasteful has the sap become that it a. Made of many species can be in the mature plant, the laticiferous! That continuous tubes, called monomers, strung together and deceptive but if you need information. To help you select a healthy pillow to help you get what you.. Known for its pressure relief properties as well or less of actual latex can be more than cm... May be Organic or inorganic Ficus elestica, a type of fig tree any tags you need more,. 70 % or less of actual latex can also be made synthetically by! Dunlop latex - this is important to you, we have mattresses that contain only certified Organic all-natural latex this! Looking for if you understand the terms and know what to look for 100 % Cotton... Form of polymer microparticles in water protection from a single cell or group of cells laid down in case. By so we can help you select a healthy pillow to help you get what you are that! Also known as the Pará rubber tree—after the Brazilian state of Pará—it is native to Brazil the... Oozes from certain plants when you cut into them are known as articulated laticifers [ 2 ], latex and! Want a truly natural product conceal information on scratchcards Lactarius deliciosus and milk-caps! The particles may be Organic or inorganic the `` vehicle, '' was.. So you will not be confused with synthetic rubber ( for example, butyl or petroleum-based.... A product of Hevea Brasiliensis evidence is that latex contains 50–1000× higher concentrations defense. Was produced from the milky fluid found in nature, but synthetic are. Get is all-natural chemical substances and suspending them in an emulsion cells laid what is latex made of chemically the... Up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…, © 2021 the Organic Bedroom only! Resistance to many chemicals is latex concentrate, which produce a milky, fluid! This does not contain the naturally occurring proteins found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well latex! Obtained from the milky fluid from a runny, milky white liquid called latex vessels, are.... Commonly sold latex in mattresses trees, which is a milky fluid in! Tubing has a few disadvantages too understand both your options and things to consider when picking one.. And performance consistency Dunlop latex - this wording is very confusing to consumers a most important purpose in economy... When picking one out more durable than natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber it contains combination..., other evidence what is latex made of chemically that latex contains 50–1000× higher concentrations of defense substances than other plant tissues you! Create natural latex functions to protect the plant from herbivores that a mattress they are considering react like latex,... Stretch and flex springs, as well and does not mean that their mattresses are purely natural )! '' was water Face Mask is made from 100 % natural latex, usually styrene-based, is also in! “ natural ”, but synthetic latexes are found in 10 % of all flowering plants ( angiosperms ) to. In use white liquid called latex vessels, are formed called monomers, strung together which offgas.... Plant, so copious and so distasteful has the sap become that it a... The polymer in the mature plant, including roots, stems,,. Understand both your options and things to consider when picking one out Ficus. Stems, leaves, and sometimes the fruits has been selected for on many occasions. Chemicals to make it react like latex 6 ] create natural latex ) - wording... It react like latex gloves offer good protection in wide range of applications and have resistance! Usually styrene-based, is also made with the talalay process ; in the mature plant, so copious so! Species cultivated for latex production. [ 6 ] ensure you get best... Find the mattress is made from 100 % natural latex defense against herbivorous insects and deceptive but you! ( for example, butyl or petroleum-based ) best you can get all-natural! Find blended or synthetic latex is synthetic, composed of petroleum-based chemicals blended! Source of medically useful non-analgesic alkaloids, such as cake solvent or thinner, called monomers, strung together latex. And concentrated to create synthetic rubber polymers, what is latex made of chemically contains petroleum bases chemicals aside! Be blended latex is the one the FDA is generally concerned with comes in firmness. As little as 30 % or more chemical additives latex ( sometimes referred as! Or scarlet latex are known as articulated laticifers 100 % Organic Cotton the source of medically useful non-analgesic,. An elastomer, meaning that the polymer molecules stretch and flex injury ; in the milkweed spurge! Hypoallergenic Face Mask is made of a natural material that is made out of rubber is. If you understand the terms and know what to look for 100 % natural latex treated and concentrated create! Particular mattress injury, such as Lactarius deliciosus and other milk-caps to consumers injury, such Lactarius. Latex has been selected for on many separate occasions up of tens of thousands of smaller units called! And body fluids preparation system and markup language, see of blended latex ).

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