Rubber Band Health Impacts

[jelly10]

Another example here of asbestos contaminated talc being found in 2020. It's certainly not a problem from the 1970's: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/1 ... 0220976558

[P13]

It is illegal to sell talc with asbestos in it, johnson and johnson still sell talc in the UK , they have also said they stopped selling it in US because of misinformation.
If you are that concerned what actions have you taken to protect yourself , for example maybe wear a mask when handling elastic bands .

[TrueBlueTerrier]

FDA is the federal Drug administration so has no bearing on the UK.

Asbestos is found in UK Industrial talc but its at very low level <0.1% https://www.ukchemicalsuppliers.co.uk/l ... earch=talc and only certain brands.

As to Johnsons in the UK they declare: https://www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk/johnsons ... alc-safety

How is JOHNSON’S® baby powder made?
The grade of talc used in cosmetics is of high purity, comparable to that used for pharmaceutical applications, and is free from asbestos and asbestiform fibers. JOHNSON’S® baby powder is only mined from select deposits from certified locations, and milled to relatively large, non-respirable particle size.

Now whether people accept that or not is a personal choice but if someone can post counter claims with links that would be informative.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Another example here of asbestos contaminated talc being found in 2020. It's certainly not a problem from the 1970's: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/1 ... 0220976558

Its a US based report

The lack of regulation and adequate testing of talc-containing personal care products in the U.S. has resulted in the contamination of cosmetics with asbestos. As such, the true exposure of consumers to asbestos is poorly characterized and likely underestimated.

[frankieboy]

It's the same with Christmas decorations, I accidentally swallowed some last year, ended up with Tinsillitis.

[scoobydo79]

I use it to prevent chafing. Works wonders.

[Dingo99]

It's the same with Christmas decorations, I accidentally swallowed some last year, ended up with Tinsillitis.

Lol, thanks for the laugh, very witty!

[jelly10]

FDA is the federal Drug administration so has no bearing on the UK.

Asbestos is found in UK Industrial talc but its at very low level <0.1% https://www.ukchemicalsuppliers.co.uk/l ... earch=talc and only certain brands.

As to Johnsons in the UK they declare: https://www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk/johnsons ... alc-safety

How is JOHNSON’S® baby powder made?
The grade of talc used in cosmetics is of high purity, comparable to that used for pharmaceutical applications, and is free from asbestos and asbestiform fibers. JOHNSON’S® baby powder is only mined from select deposits from certified locations, and milled to relatively large, non-respirable particle size.

Now whether people accept that or not is a personal choice but if someone can post counter claims with links that would be informative.

Asbestos should not be found at all in talc.

The largest rubber band manufacturers are based in India and China. I would hazard a guess that's where Royal Mail's bands originate.

Another recent study showing asbestos contamination of talc is rife.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ful ... ajim.22969

[jelly10]

It is illegal to sell talc with asbestos in it, johnson and johnson still sell talc in the UK , they have also said they stopped selling it in US because of misinformation.
If you are that concerned what actions have you taken to protect yourself , for example maybe wear a mask when handling elastic bands .

Sounds crazy but I rinse the bands before I use them. In my opinion, Royal Mail should not use talc, but if they have to then regular tests should be conducted on it.

[jelly10]

Another example here of asbestos contaminated talc being found in 2020. It's certainly not a problem from the 1970's: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/1 ... 0220976558

Its a US based report

The lack of regulation and adequate testing of talc-containing personal care products in the U.S. has resulted in the contamination of cosmetics with asbestos. As such, the true exposure of consumers to asbestos is poorly characterized and likely underestimated.

The FDA is actually more on the ball than UK authorities. We don't actually have a regulatory body that tests products. They accept the manufacturers word.

Only when there are many complaints would somebody like trading standards actually step in.

[Slim2none]

FDA!!!!
You're having a laugh. They approve anything if the $ are forthcoming.

[greengiant]

It is illegal to sell talc with asbestos in it, johnson and johnson still sell talc in the UK , they have also said they stopped selling it in US because of misinformation.
If you are that concerned what actions have you taken to protect yourself , for example maybe wear a mask when handling elastic bands .

Sounds crazy but I rinse the bands before I use them. In my opinion, Royal Mail should not use talc, but if they have to then regular tests should be conducted on it.

Careful though, you are contaminating the rubber bands with dihydrogen monoxide!

http://www.dhmo.org

[ProudhonPJ]

It is illegal to sell talc with asbestos in it, johnson and johnson still sell talc in the UK , they have also said they stopped selling it in US because of misinformation.
If you are that concerned what actions have you taken to protect yourself , for example maybe wear a mask when handling elastic bands .

Sounds crazy but I rinse the bands before I use them. In my opinion, Royal Mail should not use talc, but if they have to then regular tests should be conducted on it.

Careful though, you are contaminating the rubber bands with dihydrogen monoxide!

http://www.dhmo.org

Thanks for that. Hilarious!!!

[rockmanrock]

a bigger issue to workers is the forced re-gen of toxic Diesel vans fuel in our/your yard . Nox emissions from Diesel engines are Very bad.
should be a health and safety issue imo

[kookoo32]

I'm not going to worry about it as our office is full of asbestos. It doesn't matter though as the manager says as long as he's told us where it is then it's okay