Microsoft word - 24_thiuram mix 2012.doc

Your TRUE TEST® indicates that you have a contact allergy to thiuram mix allergens. Thiuram mix allergens in contact with your skin may result in dermatitis. Brief or occasional contact may not pose a problem. Thiuram mix contains the following four allergens: These allergens are curing additives used as accelerators in the manufacture of both natural and synthetic rubber. Where are thiuram mix allergens found? Thiuram mix chemicals are found widely in a variety of rubber articles in the modern environment both at home and at work. Examples of such articles are rubber tires and tubes for your car, rubber boots and shoes, rubber soles, gloves, garden hoses, elastic and rubberized clothing such as brassieres, girdles, support stockings, swimwear and swim caps and elastic bands as well as in rubber pillows, sponge make-up applicators, toys, balloons, baby bottle nippers, latex condoms, examination and surgical gloves, dental dams, rubber handles on tools such as tennis racquets and golf club handles. Industrially thiuram mix substances are also found in rubber products such as the lining for fuel tanks, caulking, electrical cords, plugs, gas masks, safety goggles, conveyor belts, shock absorbers, springs, mats, aprons, earphones, stethoscopes, rubber bands, erasers, rubber sheeting, non-slip waistbands, mattresses and anti-slip carpet backing. Tetraethylthiuram disulfide is a component of thiuram mix. It is used widely as a pesticide, fungicide in commercial and agricultural products. Antabuse®, a drug for the treatment of alcoholism, is also a thiuram chemical. How to avoid thiuram mix allergens Minimize your exposure to all rubber products at home, in your car and at work. Substitute products made of vinyl, plastic, leather, wood, or fabric for rubber products. Avoid rubber boots and rubber shoes, such as sneakers, tennis shoes and insoles. Wear solid leather shoes with no inner or outer soles like moccasins. If in doubt wear new shoes for a few days and watch for a rash. Try insoles free of thiuram mix chemicals to see if using insoles makes dress shoes wearable for you. Beware of socks and stockings worn with shoes containing thiuram mix chemicals, as they can contaminate and does not wash out. Avoid rubber bands, elastic, rubber gloves, electrical cords, tires, rubber matting and rubber sporting equipment. Be suspicious of any product containing rubber that seems to cause a rash where it touches your body. Some rubber gloves are labeled “hypoallergenic and rubber free.” Even so, call the manufacturer to determine whether they contain thiuram mix chemicals, because also in synthetic products thiuram mix chemicals may be used as accelerators. Examples of gloves made of a synthetic co-polymer usually free from thiuram mix chemicals are styrene, butadiene, vinyl gloves or nitrile gloves. Articles made with polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate or silicone are also suitable alternatives. Avoid contact with agricultural fungicides, paints and wallpaper adhesives containing thiurams. If you suspect that you are being exposed to this allergen at work, consult your employer regarding Material Safety Data Sheets. Wear protective clothing (aprons, gauntlets and appropriate gloves) when handling rubber hoses, seals, cables etc. Inform your healthcare providers that you are allergic to thiuram mix chemicals and ask that they use gloves that are free of these allergens. Common trade names Tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) Dipentamethylenethiuram disulfide (PTD) Related substances to which you may react Other rubber additives: The list may not be complete. When purchasing products which may come in contact with your skin, check the list of ingredients for any of the names listed above. If in doubt contact your pharmacist or physician. This information does not substitute the information given by your health care providers and can only be seen as a supplement.

Source: http://diagenics-co-uk.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Thiuram_mix.pdf