Natural rubber
| Health risk | Mild |
|---|---|
| Legal risk | Mild |
- This article is about the material manufactured from natural latex. For similar petroleum-derived rubber materials, see Synthetic rubber.
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.
A variety of petroleum-derived materials mimic some or all of the properties of natural latex rubber, including nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and neoprene. For information about the risks of these materials, see Synthetic rubber. The term polyisoprene generally refers to synthetic rubbers; however, natural rubber is also primarily polyisoprene.
Appeal
People enjoy rubber for many reasons.
- Appearance: The smooth, uniform, and featureless appearance may be appealing to people. It may alleviate concerns regarding body image, including body hair, body shape, and skin imperfections. 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 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
Many vendors specialize in crafting rubber garments. There are rubber analogues available for all standard garments: shirts, pants, underwear, socks, etc. Many people are interested in more coverage, so catsuits (one-piece suits covering the torso, arms, and legs) and surfsuits (short-sleeve catsuits) are very common.
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 availability, low cost, and "plausible deniability" compared to kink-specific gloves.
Rubber is frequently used as a base material for bondage gear, including collars, cuffs, and sleepsacks.
Risks 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 (in severe cases) anaphylaxis.[2]
Latex allergies are more prevalent in industries where people have frequent contact with products containing natural rubber[3], especially healthcare[4], dentistry, food service, and cosmetology.
Mitigation: People with latex allergies should avoid contact with natural rubber in both day-to-day life and kink scenarios. To fulfill kink desires, consider investigating synthetic materials that have similar properties to natural rubber, including synthetic rubbers (neoprene, polyisoprene) and synthetic fabrics (spandex, nylon, PVC).
Skin conditions
Rubber may exacerbate some skin conditions, even in people without a latex allergy, because it's frequently worn tight against the skin.
Mitigation: People who do not have a latex allergy but experience hives and contact dermatitis upon contact with natural rubber should discontinue contact immediately and consult a medical professional (e.g. a dermatologist) for further advice.
Separately, some types of silicone-based lubricant may irritate the skin. People who experience symptoms upon contact with natural rubber should consider trying other brands of silicone-based lubricant, as some lubricants contain additives that may irritate 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 another person to take measurements.
If received 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[5]. 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.[6] 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.[7] Subsequently, some countries and regions (including the European Union) have placed limits on their use in cosmetic products.[8][9]
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.[10]
Mitigation: The 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 lubricant to put on garments, making the process of wearing rubber fast and convenient.
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.[11] Additionally, the chlorine required for the reaction is commonly synthesized by mixing bleach and vinegar; bleach is also highly toxic to humans.
Mitigation: When possible, delegate chlorination of rubber garments to professional rubber vendors. Some vendors sell chlorinated rubber garments, and other vendors offer chlorination services for garments purchased elsewhere.
If chlorinating garments at home, it must be done in a well-ventilated area, outdoors, with the appropriate personal protective equipment.[12]
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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex_allergy#Occupational_exposure
- ↑ The FDA banned the use of powder as a donning agent for disposable latex gloves in 2016, as aerosolized powder can carry latex proteins that may cause allergic reactions. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-ban-most-powdered-medical-gloves
- ↑ 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/