HEALTH HAZARDS ENCOUNTERED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER

The manufacture of synthetic rubber involves several chemical compounds which are toxic to man. A summary of the health hazards involved in the manufacturing process is warranted, as great quantities of synthetic material are being made. This paper deals with experiences encountered in the manufacture of certain types of synthetic rubber. Sufficient time has not elapsed to enable these observations to be supported by comprehensive figures. The principal chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber are (1) butadiene, which is also known as methyl allene and has a chemical formula of CH 2 : CHCH: CH 3 , (2) styrene, also known as vinyl benzene, having the chemical formula, and (3) acrylonitrile, or acrylonitryl-vinyl cyanide, which has a chemical formula of CH 2 : CH-CN. In addition to these chemicals, polymerization catalysts such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, ammonium persulfate or organic peroxides or peracids and modifying agents—such