Is Latex a Carcinogen?

If you are wondering “Is latex a carcinogen?” then you are not alone. In this article, we will discuss about natural latex and synthetic latex. We will also talk about Benzene and Diisocyanates, two other chemicals found in latex, and their possible health risks. We hope this article helps you answer this important question. But do keep in mind that there is no absolute proof that latex causes cancer.

Natural latex

Many “natural living” advocates haven’t bothered to research the safety of the synthetic chemicals used in products with GOTS certification. Latex is a milky substance found in many flowering plants and is used by those plants to protect themselves from insects. This natural substance is derived from the sap of rubber trees found in tropical areas. It is harvested in sustainable and humane ways and is filtered to ensure purity. The sap is then poured into molds to create products like balloons, medical equipment, and mattresses. Besides being odor-resistant, latex also is resistant to mold and dust mites.

The problem with natural rubber latex is that most of it is sourced from Hevea brasiliensis trees, which produce a milky white sap known as “latex.” There are plenty of studies and citations backing this claim, but many self-proclaimed “natural living” experts don’t understand the harm that these products cause. In fact, many of the books and interviews on healthy living are littered with “experts” waxing poetically about the “benefits” of natural rubber. The fact is, though, that most of these experts charge $100 and up for an hour’s consultation. Obviously, it is easy to get swayed by such “greenwashing” tactics.

While foam mattress companies use a blend of synthetic and natural latex, it’s still mostly synthetic. For this reason, it is always best to find a mattress that is made of 100% Natural Latex. Furthermore, there are chemicals used in foam mattress production that have been linked to health problems. These chemicals are not fully bound to materials and are released over time. The chemicals can be dangerous if used in large quantities.

Synthetic latex

Synthetic latex, also known as petroleum-based rubber, is made from petroleum products and can cause serious harm and increased risk of cancer. Synthetic latex is made in a laboratory, while natural latex is obtained by harvesting the rubber tree, a labor-intensive and costly process. But, even if latex is natural, it can still be carcinogenic if it is mixed with fillers.

In addition to being a known carcinogen, synthetic latex may also contain V6, a chemical similar to TCEP. But it contains an impurity. Moreover, V6 has been linked to poor thyroid function, poor liver function, and reproductive issues. Besides these, air that contains antimony has been shown to aggravate the eyes and heart. Synthetic latex is made up of petroleum-based oils, chemical additives, and flame retardants. In addition, formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is found in some synthetic foams.

Many mattresses sold today contain synthetic latex in a blend. This is known as “blended latex”. However, it is still predominantly synthetic. So, when buying a latex mattress, consumers should always go for 100% natural latex. To avoid any danger, you should look for mattresses made from 100% natural latex. In addition to natural latex, you should also avoid mattresses made of chemical flame retardants.

Studies have also shown that babies who sleep on synthetic latex mattresses are at a greater risk for cancer than those using all-natural latex. While the “100% natural” label is misleading, 100% latex mattresses release less than one-third of the same toxins. The same cannot be said for latex mattresses that are blended with chemical agents. It is important to read labels carefully to ensure that you’re not buying a carcinogen-producing product.

Benzene

The rubber industry is a major source of benzene. However, benzene is also found in gasoline, oil refineries, and chemical plants. This substance is also used in dyes, detergents, and pesticides. While benzene is not a direct carcinogen, exposure to benzene can be significant in some occupations. For example, workers in steel, printing, lab technicians, and firefighters are among those who may be exposed to benzene.

Benzene is present in both indoor and outdoor air, but the amount in the indoor environment is higher and is associated with higher levels of adverse health effects. The concentration of benzene in the air is largely dependent on the time of day and location of exposure. People spend most of their time indoors. Consequently, the majority of their exposure to benzene comes from indoor sources.

There have been several studies conducted on the effects of benzene on human health. Benzene has been linked to childhood leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other cancers, however, have not been linked to benzene. This is why it is important to avoid exposure to benzene.

In an effort to find a solution to the problem, researchers have looked into benzene’s long-term effects. The risk of cancer at high concentrations is much higher than the risk of non-cancer diseases. Benzene exposure can also cause a mild decline in the growth of tumor cells. Furthermore, a new study in China found that benzene concentrations in rubber are no more than one percent higher than the concentrations in the US.

Diisocyanates

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, diisocyanates present a carcinogenic risk for both humans and wildlife. They were found to cause cancer in both rats and mice in studies that evaluated the substance’s toxicity to mammals. The substance was found to be carcinogenic to both male and female mice, especially when ingested through the GI tract. In addition, it affected the pancreas, liver, and mammary glands in animals.

There are a variety of occupational exposure routes to diisocyanates, including inhalation of isocyanates and their vapor. Workers are exposed to isocyanates through skin contact during manufacturing, mixing, and foaming processes. Workers may also be exposed to isocyanates through firefighting if they are working with polyurethane foams. The new alliance with the ACC will develop training and information guidance for workers exposed to isocyanates.

There is little evidence to support the theory that isocyanates cause cancer in humans. Although they have been linked to lung cancer in animals, the link between isocyanates and lung cancer is less clear. Exposure to isocyanates can lead to occupational asthma and other lung conditions, and the material may cause rashes, sores, and other symptoms. Even so, the danger of diisocyanates in latex is still too great to ignore its dangers.

Occupational exposure to isocyanates has been associated with lung and pancreatic cancer. However, exposure to polyurethane foam in the manufacturing industry was not linked with an increased risk of lung cancer or death. Several studies conducted in the UK also indicated an increased risk of lung cancer among both male and female workers, but this was not significant enough to suggest that the chemicals were a causative factor.

Methyloxirane

Methyloxirane, also known as propylene oxide, is a chemical used to manufacture a variety of products. It is also an approved food additive and is permitted for use in starch modifying agents. It is dispersed during processing and is not found in the final product. Methyloxirane is imported into Canada, but not manufactured here.