Toxicological aspects of chemical hazards in the rubber industry

Only three recognized strong carcinogens are used in the Swedish rubber industry: mineral oil, ethylene thiourea, and trichloroethylene. Besides, many curing agents, accelerators, antioxidants/antiozonants, and retarders may possess mutagenic and/or carcinogenic activity and may thus contribute to the total cancer risk in the rubber industry. Irritating compounds as well as modifiers of biotransformation further contribute to the complex exposure panorama of the rubber industry. Cancer risks in the work environment of the rubber industry can probably be more effectively reduced by general sanitary measures aimed at reduction of total exposure than by specific regulation of only a few established carcinogenic chemicals.