Debbie: I will predict that the air is fine and everyone should take a deep breath with little concern. The degradation of Latex products you describe is quite common and more accelerated as we all switch to cheaper products made with inferior raw materials. Some of the currently available Latex gloves are so filled with contaminants (used as fillers) spontaneous combustion during shipment has been observed. The photographic degradation is also more common now due to inferior inks and dyes. Unless the prints were made using platinum salts degradation is common. Stu Williams Stuart K. Williams, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Biomedical Engineering University of Arizona 520.626.4707 (V) 520.626.2890 (F) -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Debbie Decker Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 4:40 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] Latex Glove degeneration Hi Gang: Excusing the cross-posting.... We have researchers whose latex gloves, rubber bands and other latex-containing articles degrade at an alarming rate. This is annoying. Lately, a photographer in this building has found her images degrading as well. This is now causing consternation amongst building occupants. All the obvious have been checked - it is a laboratory building with one-pass air and the degradation is not localized to a single floor or lab. Ideas? Don't be shy about suggesting the outrageous. Thanks, Debbie Debbie Decker EH&S UCDavis (530)754-7964 dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu Co-Conspirator to Make the World A Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions, can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."
Previous post | Top of Page | Next post