This article in our Hazard Watch series examines the requirements for monitoring rubber fumes in the workplace and how Tetra Tech laboratories support businesses with UK‑grade laboratory analysis so employers can verify controls, protect employees, and limit or prevent exposure.
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines a rubber fume as “fume evolved in the mixing, milling and blending of natural rubber or synthetic elastomers, or of natural rubber and synthetic polymers combined with chemicals, and in the processes which convert the resultant blends into finished products.” Rubber fumes are a complex mixture of chemicals released during the processing of rubber, which if inhaled can be hazardous to health.
Rubber fume is therefore a common hazard in many workplaces, and it can cause serious health problems if not managed properly.
Dangers of rubber fume exposure
Exposure to rubber fumes can cause irritation and inflammation of the eyes, nose, and workers who inhale rubber fumes over a long period may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and asthma. Because of the health risk associated with rubber fume exposure, the HSE have assigned rubber fume a long-term exposure limit (8-hr TWA reference period) of 0.6 mg.m3.
Rubber fume (measured as a cyclohexane-soluble material) in the air can be determined using the MDHS method 47/3. This method involves taking a sample of the air in the workplace by using a pump to draw air through a washed GFA filter at 2L/min. This is conducted until the minimum recommended sample volume of 500L is reached and subsequently analysing the filter for rubber fume content. The results of this analysis can then be used to determine the level of risk to workers and whether additional measures need to be taken to reduce exposure.
Our expertise in preventing or limiting rubber fume exposure
Exposure monitoring for rubber fumes can be a complex process and involves collection of personal samples and methodical laboratory analysis. Rubber manufacturers are expected to monitor air quality at factories on an annual basis and follow guidelines under the Control of Substances Harmful to Health (COSHH) 2002. At Tetra Tech we can provide all the necessary sampling media and analysis to determine the rubber fume content of an air sample. We can then directly compare against the current workplace exposure limits so that employers can take measurable steps to reduce exposure and keep their workers safe.