Natural rubber: Difference between revisions
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Natural rubber is used extensively in many day-to-day applications due to its unique physical properties. It is also used in the crafting of rubber garments and rubber gear. | Natural rubber is used extensively in many day-to-day applications due to its unique physical properties. It is also used in the crafting of rubber garments and rubber gear. | ||
'''Natural rubber''' should not be confused with '''synthetic rubber''', which are artificial materials (such as neoprene and polyisoprene) designed to mimic some or all of the properties of natural rubber. This article focuses on discussing natural rubber. | |||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
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== Appeal == | == Appeal == | ||
People enjoy | People enjoy rubber for many reasons. | ||
* '''Appearance''': | * '''Appearance''': The smooth and featureless appearance of rubber may be appealing to certain people. Applying silicone lubricant to the surface of a rubber garment will make it appear very shiny, enhancing its appearance and appeal. | ||
* '''Feel''': | * '''Feel''': Rubber garments cling to the skin and simultaneously dull and enhance outside sensations. Additionally, the constricting nature of rubber may appeal to people who enjoy [[bondage]]. | ||
* '''Smell''': rubber has a distinct smell that may be appealing to certain people. | * '''Smell''': Natural rubber has a distinct smell that may be appealing to certain people. | ||
* '''Airtight''': | * '''Airtight''': Rubber is non-permeable, which may be appealing to people who enjoy [[breath play]]. Some garments are specifically designed for this purpose. | ||
* '''Waterproof''': | * '''Waterproof''': Rubber is waterproof, which may be appealing in conjunction with other kinks that involve liquids, such as [[gunge play]] and [[watersports]]. | ||
== Methods == | == Methods == | ||
There are a wide variety of rubber garments available, with analogues available for almost every standard clothing item. | There are a wide variety of rubber garments available, with analogues available for almost every standard clothing item: shirts, pants, underwear, socks, etc. | ||
Rubber catsuits (one-piece suits covering the torso, arms, and legs) are a very common rubber garment. | Rubber catsuits (one-piece suits covering the torso, arms, and legs) are a very common rubber garment. | ||
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=== Constriction === | === Constriction === | ||
Rubber | Rubber can cause significant constriction of body parts if not sized correctly, potentially restricting blood flow and resulting in issues with circulation. Rubber garments that are too tight on joints and bends may cause bruising and soreness. | ||
'''Mitigation''': Proper sizing is critical to comfortable wear of rubber garments. Before buying rubber garments, take measurements to ensure the correct size is ordered. If possible, ask a friend to take measurements. | |||
If ordered garments are too tight, work with the manufacturer to fix sizing issues. | |||
=== Non-permeability === | === Non-permeability === | ||
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Rubber is non-permeable (air and water cannot pass through it). Sweat and water can pool in some garments, especially rubber gloves and rubber socks, and extended periods of contact between skin and water can result in skin maceration<ref>https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-skin-maceration</ref>. Additionally, some rubber garments can present a suffocation risk. Some rubber hoods are specifically designed to facilitate breath play; caution should be taken when wearing these hoods. | Rubber is non-permeable (air and water cannot pass through it). Sweat and water can pool in some garments, especially rubber gloves and rubber socks, and extended periods of contact between skin and water can result in skin maceration<ref>https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-skin-maceration</ref>. Additionally, some rubber garments can present a suffocation risk. Some rubber hoods are specifically designed to facilitate breath play; caution should be taken when wearing these hoods. | ||
'''Mitigation''': Avoid wearing rubber gloves and rubber socks for extended periods of time, or regularly drain any | '''Mitigation''': Avoid wearing rubber gloves and rubber socks for extended periods of time, or regularly drain any liquid from them. Also see [[breath play]] for more information. | ||
=== Slip & fall hazard === | === Slip & fall hazard === | ||
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=== Chemical properties of silicone === | === Chemical properties of silicone === | ||
Some silicones are highly flammable, and some silicones are highly pervasive (they do not break down naturally) and are suspected to be carcinogenic or cause reproductive harm.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane</ref> There are mixed opinions on the long-term effects of silicones in human use, with some studies concluding that these silicones are generally safe for human use, and other studies concluding the opposite.<ref>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6999272/</ref> Subsequently, some countries and regions have placed limits on their use in cosmetic products.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siloxane#Safety_and_environmental_considerations</ref> | Some silicones are highly flammable, and some silicones are highly pervasive (they do not break down naturally) and are suspected to be carcinogenic or cause reproductive harm.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane</ref> There are mixed opinions on the long-term effects of silicones in human use, with some studies concluding that these silicones are generally safe for human use, and other studies concluding the opposite.<ref>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6999272/</ref> Subsequently, some countries and regions (including the European Union) have placed limits on their use in cosmetic products.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siloxane#Safety_and_environmental_considerations</ref><ref>https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401328</ref> | ||
'''Mitigation''': The specific long-term effects of certain silicones on human health is contested. If choosing to avoid them out of an abundance of caution, look into silicone-based lubricants that do not contain | '''Mitigation''': The specific long-term effects of certain silicones on human health is contested. If choosing to avoid them out of an abundance of caution, look into silicone-based lubricants that do not contain cyclomethicones. | ||
=== Crafting & repairs === | === Crafting & repairs === | ||
The primary substances used in crafting and repairing rubber garments are heptane and rubber cement (a mixture of latex and heptane). Heptane is | The primary substances used in crafting and repairing rubber garments are heptane and rubber cement (a mixture of latex and heptane). Heptane is highly dangerous when inhaled, and long term exposure may cause cancer and pose risks to reproductive health.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heptane#Health_risks</ref> | ||
'''Mitigation''': Any crafting and repair of rubber garments should be conducted in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors, with a properly-fitted respirator with appropriate filters. | |||
=== Chlorination === | |||
''' | The process known as '''chlorination''' makes the surface of rubber garments extremely smooth. This is desirable as it removes the need for silicone lubricant to put on the specific garment. | ||
As the name suggests, chlorination involves a chemical reaction between chlorine and rubber. Chlorine is highly toxic to humans, and can cause significant damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine#Hazards</ref> Additionally, the chlorine required for the reaction is commonly made by mixing bleach and vinegar; bleach is also highly toxic to humans. | |||
'''Mitigation''': When possible, delegate chlorination of rubber garments to professional rubber garment manufacturers. | |||
If proceeding with chlorination at home, it '''must''' be done in a well-ventilated area, outdoors, with the appropriate personal protective equipment.<ref>https://trikoot.net/2014/02/how-to-chlorinate-your-latex/</ref> | |||
== Known incidents <!-- Provide a list of links to articles describing incidents involving this kink. --> == | == Known incidents <!-- Provide a list of links to articles describing incidents involving this kink. --> == | ||
Revision as of 17:23, 13 February 2025
| Health risk | Low |
|---|---|
| Legal risk | Low |
Natural rubber is a stretchy, resilient, and waterproof material manufactured from latex, a milky liquid extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis.[1]
Natural rubber is used extensively in many day-to-day applications due to its unique physical properties. It is also used in the crafting of rubber garments and rubber gear.
Natural rubber should not be confused with synthetic rubber, which are artificial materials (such as neoprene and polyisoprene) designed to mimic some or all of the properties of natural rubber. This article focuses on discussing natural rubber.
Background
Appeal
People enjoy rubber for many reasons.
- Appearance: The smooth and featureless appearance of rubber may be appealing to certain people. Applying silicone lubricant to the surface of a rubber garment will make it appear very shiny, enhancing its appearance and appeal.
- Feel: Rubber garments cling to the skin and simultaneously dull and enhance outside sensations. Additionally, the constricting nature of rubber may appeal to people who enjoy bondage.
- Smell: Natural rubber has a distinct smell that may be appealing to certain people.
- Airtight: Rubber is non-permeable, which may be appealing to people who enjoy breath play. Some garments are specifically designed for this purpose.
- Waterproof: Rubber is waterproof, which may be appealing in conjunction with other kinks that involve liquids, such as gunge play and watersports.
Methods
There are a wide variety of rubber garments available, with analogues available for almost every standard clothing item: shirts, pants, underwear, socks, etc.
Rubber catsuits (one-piece suits covering the torso, arms, and legs) are a very common rubber garment.
Rubber is frequently used in gas masks to create an air-tight seal against the wearer's face.
Disposable rubber gloves may be appealing due to their high accessibility and availability, low cost, and "plausible deniability" compared to kink-specific gloves.
Risk and risk mitigation
Allergies to natural rubber
Some people may develop an allergy to natural rubber after repeated exposure to products containing latex. Further contact with with natural rubber can result in hives, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), contact dermatitis, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.[2]
Mitigation: People with known latex allergies should avoid contact with natural rubber in both day-to-day life and kink scenarios. There are a large variety of synthetic rubbers that mimic the properties of natural rubber, such as neoprene and polyisoprene, and other synthetic materials that have similar stretch properties, such as spandex and nylon.
People who have not been diagnosed with a latex allergy but experience hives and contact dermatitis upon contact with natural rubber should discontinue contact ASAP and consult a medical professional for further advice.
Skin conditions
Rubber may aggravate some skin conditions, even in people without a latex allergy, because it's frequently worn tight against the skin.
Constriction
Rubber can cause significant constriction of body parts if not sized correctly, potentially restricting blood flow and resulting in issues with circulation. Rubber garments that are too tight on joints and bends may cause bruising and soreness.
Mitigation: Proper sizing is critical to comfortable wear of rubber garments. Before buying rubber garments, take measurements to ensure the correct size is ordered. If possible, ask a friend to take measurements.
If ordered garments are too tight, work with the manufacturer to fix sizing issues.
Non-permeability
Rubber is non-permeable (air and water cannot pass through it). Sweat and water can pool in some garments, especially rubber gloves and rubber socks, and extended periods of contact between skin and water can result in skin maceration[3]. Additionally, some rubber garments can present a suffocation risk. Some rubber hoods are specifically designed to facilitate breath play; caution should be taken when wearing these hoods.
Mitigation: Avoid wearing rubber gloves and rubber socks for extended periods of time, or regularly drain any liquid from them. Also see breath play for more information.
Slip & fall hazard
Many types of rubber garments require the use of water-based or silicone-based lubricants for wear. These lubricants are slippery and pose a significant slip & fall hazard if not contained well or cleaned properly after use. Extra caution should be taken when using silicone-based lubricants, as they are not easily removed with just water, and generally require the use of isopropyl alcohol or soap for complete removal.
Mitigation: When using lubricants to put on rubber garments, put down a towel to absorb any stray lubricant. Make sure to seal lubricant bottles between/after applying to avoid accidental spills. If possible, avoid donning rubber garments on floors made of hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl, and stay on carpeted floors. If any lubricant is spilled, clean it up as soon possible with water, isopropyl alcohol, and/or soap.
Chemical properties of silicone
Some silicones are highly flammable, and some silicones are highly pervasive (they do not break down naturally) and are suspected to be carcinogenic or cause reproductive harm.[4] There are mixed opinions on the long-term effects of silicones in human use, with some studies concluding that these silicones are generally safe for human use, and other studies concluding the opposite.[5] Subsequently, some countries and regions (including the European Union) have placed limits on their use in cosmetic products.[6][7]
Mitigation: The specific long-term effects of certain silicones on human health is contested. If choosing to avoid them out of an abundance of caution, look into silicone-based lubricants that do not contain cyclomethicones.
Crafting & repairs
The primary substances used in crafting and repairing rubber garments are heptane and rubber cement (a mixture of latex and heptane). Heptane is highly dangerous when inhaled, and long term exposure may cause cancer and pose risks to reproductive health.[8]
Mitigation: Any crafting and repair of rubber garments should be conducted in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors, with a properly-fitted respirator with appropriate filters.
Chlorination
The process known as chlorination makes the surface of rubber garments extremely smooth. This is desirable as it removes the need for silicone lubricant to put on the specific garment.
As the name suggests, chlorination involves a chemical reaction between chlorine and rubber. Chlorine is highly toxic to humans, and can cause significant damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.[9] Additionally, the chlorine required for the reaction is commonly made by mixing bleach and vinegar; bleach is also highly toxic to humans.
Mitigation: When possible, delegate chlorination of rubber garments to professional rubber garment manufacturers.
If proceeding with chlorination at home, it must be done in a well-ventilated area, outdoors, with the appropriate personal protective equipment.[10]
Known incidents
Medical case reports
RACKWiki incident reports
External links
References
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_rubber
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-skin-maceration
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6999272/
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siloxane#Safety_and_environmental_considerations
- ↑ https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401328
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heptane#Health_risks
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine#Hazards
- ↑ https://trikoot.net/2014/02/how-to-chlorinate-your-latex/