Does the rubber contain any harmful substances?
Most rubber products are harmless when used normally, as pollutants are only present in relevant quantities if the formulation or raw materials have been compromised. The substances that are taken into account when making rubber include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from low-quality mineral oils and tar, certain plasticizers from the phthalate group, nitrogen compounds produced during manufacturing (nitrosamines), and heavy metals. For rubber products, these substances are regulated in the EU by the REACH regulation Strictly limited, so that products that meet these limits are considered safe.
Where do pollutants form in rubber?
PAK enter the rubber mixture primarily through cheap, barely purified mineral oils and through poor-quality tar. Phthalates are specifically added as Plasticiser Additionally, heavy metals such as cadmium or lead are usually present in color pigments. Nitrosamines only form during the cooking process. Vulcanisation, And this is due to certain additives that are added to the mixture to accelerate the crosslinking process. Many of these substances are not firmly bound to the rubber. Over time, they migrate to the surface and dissolve upon contact with the skin, heat, or friction.
What pollutant limits are there for rubber?
| Pollutant | Limit value in the EU |
|---|---|
| PAK | max. 1 mg/kg in case of skin or oral contact, 0.5 mg/kg in the case of toys and baby products |
| Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP) | max. 0.1 % in the softened material |
| Nitrosamines | Strictly limited for pacifiers, soothers and toys for children under three years old |
| Cadmium and lead | Extremely restricted in products with skin contact and toys |
For rubber parts that come into contact with food, the recommendations of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) must be followed, or in the USA the requirements of the FDA must be met. FDA The „Certified Safety“ (GS-mark) seal imposes stricter limits on PAHs than those under REACH.
How do you know that a rubber product contains few pollutants?
A strong one Odour Or a sticky surface often indicates the presence of many oils and plasticizers; however, only a laboratory analysis can reliably determine whether there are actually harmful substances present. Helpful labels such as the GS mark for proven safety or the glass fork symbol, which identifies rubber parts as food-safe, are also useful. Another indication is the source of the product, as products shipped directly from retailers outside the EU via online marketplaces often lack a responsible importer in the EU who ensures compliance with the limits.
