Hi Lulu0915,
I would keep in mind that “chemicals” are not necessarily harmful. Anything that is not an element is a chemical and there are natural chemicals that are harmful and others that are safe and there are synthetic chemicals that are harmful and others that are safe. Even water and salt are chemical substances (see wikipedia here).
Since most people that are concerned with “chemicals” are really concerned with “safety” … there is more information in post #2 here and the more detailed posts and information it links to about safe, natural, organic, “chemical free”, and “green” mattresses and mattress materials that can help you sort through some of the marketing information and terminology that you will encounter in the industry and can help you differentiate between them and answer “how safe is safe enough for me” or “how organic is organic enough for me” so you can decide on the types of materials you are most comfortable having in your mattress. These types of issues are complex and are generally specific to each person and their individual sensitivities, circumstances, criteria, beliefs, and lifestyle choices.
[quote]With the natural talalay, everything I read says they add ammonia, zinc oxide, sulfur and soap. So with all those add-ins, it’s not really a natural product anymore. Dunlop doesn’t have any of that correct? I see they say oh the zinc oxide and the ammonia washes out, the ammonia evaporates, just the sulfur is left. But how is that a “natural” talalay product with those add ins?
I am fairly certain that ammonia, zinc oxide, sulfur and soap are not added to natural dunlop though. Right? [/quote]
There is more about 100% natural latex (either Talalay or Dunlop) in post #7 here and post #18 here but all latex (including organic) use other ingredients and chemicals that are required to make foamed latex besides just the latex itself in their formulation.
The only reliable way to know whether there are harmful substances or VOC’s in any material is based on its testing and certification and all the latex you are likely to encounter (Dunlop or Talalay made with either natural or synthetic rubber or a blend of both) will have been certified by either Oeko-Tex or Eco-Institut for harmful substances and VOC’s (see post #2 here) and I would consider any type of latex to be a “safe” material.
Phoenix