Debbie:

I will predict that the air is fine and everyone should take a deep breath
with little concern.  The degradation of Latex products you describe is
quite common and more accelerated as we all switch to cheaper products made
with inferior raw materials.  Some of the currently available Latex gloves
are so filled with contaminants (used as fillers) spontaneous combustion
during shipment has been observed.

The photographic degradation is also more common now due to inferior inks
and dyes.  Unless the prints were made using platinum salts degradation is
common.

Stu Williams


Stuart K. Williams, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Biomedical Engineering
University of Arizona
520.626.4707 (V)
520.626.2890 (F)


-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
Debbie Decker
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 4:40 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Latex Glove degeneration

Hi Gang:

Excusing the cross-posting....  We have researchers whose latex gloves,
rubber bands and other latex-containing articles degrade at an alarming
rate.  This is annoying.  Lately, a photographer in this building has found
her images degrading as well.  This is now causing consternation amongst
building occupants.

All the obvious have been checked - it is a laboratory building with
one-pass air and the degradation is not localized to a single floor or lab.

Ideas?  Don't be shy about suggesting the outrageous.

Thanks,
Debbie


Debbie Decker
EH&S UCDavis
(530)754-7964
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction
that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions,
can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."

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