Rubber Band Health Impacts

[jelly10]

I find it hard to believe that in 2022 Royal Mail are still using rubber bands coated with talc. Numerous studies have shown that industrial talc is often contaminated with asbestos.

With the billions of bands RM uses, it's possible a health hazard exists for postmen and postwomen.

I previously enquired with health and safety about this issue and was assured that no asbestos was present - yet no proof of this (test results) was forthcoming.

Simply look on YouTube at rubber band manufacturing videos and you will see factories covered in talcum powder dust.

If any long term workers have breathing issues (or worse) and do not smoke, the cause could be in the bands we use on a daily basis.

[norris9]

WTF...

I have noticed older bands sometimes have a white dust on them.


When I saw the title I thought it was about them snapping when you bundle up and firing off into your hand or eye. Had one snap and smack me right in the eye ball once.

[qwerty2]

1st post after 10 years!!!!!!!!!!

[thefox]

What a first post but

[jelly10]

WTF...

I have noticed older bands sometimes have a white dust on them.


When I saw the title I thought it was about them snapping when you bundle up and firing off into your hand or eye. Had one snap and smack me right in the eye ball once.

Feel free to do your own research

I just think we shouldn't be using this stuff. They stopped selling baby powder because of the asbestos risk, and industrial talc is supposed to be even less regulated.

[jelly10]

1st post after 10 years!!!!!!!!!!

Joined years ago but forgot about it. Recently the talc issue has crossed my mind and it seems to be the only place you can post online with other posties.

[k979aaa]

This is part Johnson and Johnson in the USA claim for that putting talcum powder in your shorts nickers can cause you to get cancer of the nether regions as to the validity of the facts are blowing in the wind!

[jelly10]

This is part Johnson and Johnson in the USA claim for that putting talcum powder in your shorts nickers can cause you to get cancer of the nether regions as to the validity of the facts are blowing in the wind!

Johnson and Johnson entered bankruptcy to avoid paying billions of dollars to victims. They have now stopped selling talc worldwide because of the asbestos risk. Yet royal mail still have it on their rubber bands.

[k979aaa]

This is part Johnson and Johnson in the USA claim for that putting talcum powder in your shorts nickers can cause you to get cancer of the nether regions as to the validity of the facts are blowing in the wind!

Johnson and Johnson entered bankruptcy to avoid paying billions of dollars to victims. They have now stopped selling talc worldwide because of the asbestos risk. Yet royal mail still have it on their rubber bands.

That's why I don't put rubber bands back in my pocket and never have some people do use them for other purposes than intended though!

[P13]

Talc has been free from asbestos since the 1970's.

[Judgee]

Wouldn't worry we'll probably go back to using string soon to save money!

[mjd24]

We’re a parcels company now dont you know, elastic bands not needed.

[clashcityrocker]

Our rubber bands are painted with radium.
They are highly dangerous. but they have a half-life of 1600 years and you can see them in the dark.

[EdRush]

It's only bad if you inhale it.

They're perfectly fine as a replacement for your pot noodle credit crunch lunch (with a little bit of ketchup)

[jelly10]

Talc has been free from asbestos since the 1970's.

Sadly that's wrong. FDA tests found asbestos in Johnson and Johnson talc in the past couple of years. That's why they are stopping using talc in baby powder.

Bare in mind that cosmetic talc (baby powder) is actually more pure than industrial talc (which is what rubber bands are coated with).