Natural rubber
| Health risk | Low |
|---|---|
| Legal risk | Low |
Background
Appeal
Methods
Risks
Allergies to latex: Some people may develop an allergy to natural rubber latex after repeated exposure to products containing latex.
Skin conditions: Rubber may aggravate some skin conditions since it holds tight against the skin.
Constriction: Rubber is very stretchy, so it can cause significant constriction of body parts if not sized correctly, potentially restricting blood flow.
Non-permeability: Rubber is non-permeable, meaning that air and water cannot pass through it. Sweat can pool in some garments, and extended periods of contact between skin and water can result in skin maceration[1]. Additionally, some garments can present a suffocation risk; also see breath play.
Slip & fall hazard: Many types of rubber garments require the use of water-based or silicone-based lubricants for wear.
Silicone properties: Some types of silicone lubricant are highly flammable, and some types are suspected to be carcinogenic as well.
Crafting & repairs: The primary substance used in crafting and repairing rubber garments is rubber cement, which contains heptane, which is extremely dangerous when inhaled.[2]