Question from Marc
I just bought a dumbbell made of wroght iron coated with neoprene. Is this material safe to touch and/or does it off-gas? -Marc
Debra’s Answer
Neoprene was the first mass-produced synthetic rubber, made from petrochemicals. It’s chemical name is Styrene (as in Styrofoam) Butadiene Chloroprane Rubber Blend. It was developed and is manufactured by DuPont. It is used for a wide variety of applications, including wetsuits and hoses. It is considered to be “chemically inert.” The MSDS does list hydrocarbons under “hazardous decomposition products” but says only “not applicable” under health hazards data, so apparently there are no health hazards.
I was given a knee brace someone bought at Walmart.
I washed it, because it had been worn. I noticed it smelt, when I got home. The smell was strong, and bothered me. I tried first with non toxic laundry soap, then alternative dish soap brand – smell would not go away, even after overnight soaking. Finally tried baking soda. No use. I get a whiff of it, while it dries, and it is too much. have throat reaction. The brand is Muehler. It was better than what I was using, but i cannot stand this. Label says 50% neoprene- it also has some rubber, and 15% steel! I have never heard of that, in any product except pans..
I am not sure if this is a blog, or if this is a recent post. so here goes, Debra. My try and thank you, if this can be responded to. I cannot be around toxic fumes, nail varnish and new carpets, etc.
You are probably smelling the rubber. That smell probably won’t wash out.
So most people have no problems wearing neoprene on their body?