Instead of benzine other solvents are available—chlorine substitution products of methane (dichlormethane, carbon tetrachloride). In other processes rubber solvents are largely used, for instance, acetone, oil of turpentine, petroleum benzine, ether, and benzene. Rubber solutions are used for waterproofing cloth and other materials.
Similar to the preparation and use of rubber is that of guttapercha. But vulcanisation is easier by the lead and zinc thiosulphate process than by the methods used in the case of rubber.
Effects on Health of CS₂ and Other Dangers to Health in the Rubber Industry.—In the manufacture of carbon bisulphide little or no danger is run either to health or from fire.
In the rubber trade the poisonous nature of benzine and chloride of sulphur have to be borne in mind, and also the considerable risk of lead poisoning in mixing. Cases of plumbism, especially in earlier years, are referred to.[1]
Benzine poisoning plays only a secondary part in the rubber industry. No severe cases are recorded, only slight cases following an inhalation of fumes.
Cases of poisoning are recorded in a motor tyre factory in Upsala.[2] Nine women were affected, of whom four died. Whether these cases were due to benzene or petroleum benzine is not stated. It is remarkable that two such very different substances as benzene and benzine should be so easily confused.
But that in the rubber industry cases of benzene poisoning do actually occur is proved by the following recent cases: Rubber dissolved in benzol was being laid on a spreading machine in the usual way. Of three men employed one was rendered unconscious and died.[3]
In a rubber recovery process a worker was rendered unconscious after entering a benzol still, also two others who sought to rescue him. Only one was saved.
Cases of aniline poisoning are reported where aniline is used for extracting rubber.[4]
Chloride of sulphur, by reason of its properties and the readiness with which it decomposes (see Chloride of Sulphur), causes annoyance to rubber workers, but rarely poisoning.