Mailbag.

Dear editor:

We make synthetic rubber seals for the auto industry. As an industrial hygienist, can anyone tell me about the hazards of heated rubber and plastics - usually generated on mold presses. Also, if air sampling, what constituents do I look for?

Tim Barry

Batesville, AR

(The major tire companies and the URW commissioned a joint study on this subject as part of the 1976 contract settlement. The program was run by Harvard University. The final report should be available through the company or union, probably from the headquarters. -ed.)

Dear editor:

I am an industrial design student needing information on "Santoprene." Who is the producer and does anyone know of other products which are as good? My requirements are that the material be extremely abrasion and tear resistant, flexible and resistant to sunlight degradation.

Eric Leyland

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

(Santoprene is a product of Advanced Elastomer Systems, 388 South Main St., Akron, OH 44311. As for other materials, the 1999 Blue Book has seven pages of thermoplastic elastomer listings. -ed.)

Dear editor:

We are having difficulty in testing of vulcanized rubber parts. We have tested compression set and ozone at our end and the test results are out of specification. When we informed the supplier of our test results they told us they will send another slab. How can we ensure whether the same compound is used in the test slab which was used in the earlier test slabs and buttons?

V.D. Lele

Maharashtra, India

(Test for specific gravity of the component and that of the test button using standard test methods. -ed.)

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