I'd quickly like to outline a possible danger of replica rubber straps and point out a solution of how to be on the safe side.
Our watches come from China and as we know since the days of lead paint and toxic milk, some producers would do anything to reduce cost. This also applies to the production of rubber straps.
Owners of replica watches may have noticed a certain smell that causes headaches with some people. This smell stems from plasticisers, very likely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are known to cause cancer and alter genetic material. In short: PAHs can affect your capability to reproduce. The adverse effect of PAHs have been proven in animal studies. The manufacturer could use non-toxic solvents but this is more costly for them.
Rule of thumb: If it is black AND soft AND inexpensive -> very good chance of PAHs.
I lack the correct english terms, but please be aware that the plasticizers dissolve on contact with your skin. Sweat, hand lotion or greasy cosmetics will enhance the effect. PAHs are released through the skin into the body. So don't wear "smelly" rubber straps right away.
A good solution would be to put the rubber strap into a warm, well vented room and let them rest for a week or so until they stop to smell. The heat causes the PAHs to diffuse quicker (accelerated Brownian movement of the molecules). Some report to have used a hair dryer set to medium heat - I never did this. Please be aware that a single molecule may suffice to damage your genoms and terminate your reproduction career. So please ventilate that rubber strap until it stops smelling.
Disclaimer: Please take into consideration that I am from Germany - we tend to be a lot more "green" and scared than the rest of the world.
Thank you for reading this.
Dr.Verylong
Edit: Don't cook your rubber bands. It will make them porous.
Our watches come from China and as we know since the days of lead paint and toxic milk, some producers would do anything to reduce cost. This also applies to the production of rubber straps.
Owners of replica watches may have noticed a certain smell that causes headaches with some people. This smell stems from plasticisers, very likely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are known to cause cancer and alter genetic material. In short: PAHs can affect your capability to reproduce. The adverse effect of PAHs have been proven in animal studies. The manufacturer could use non-toxic solvents but this is more costly for them.
Rule of thumb: If it is black AND soft AND inexpensive -> very good chance of PAHs.
I lack the correct english terms, but please be aware that the plasticizers dissolve on contact with your skin. Sweat, hand lotion or greasy cosmetics will enhance the effect. PAHs are released through the skin into the body. So don't wear "smelly" rubber straps right away.
A good solution would be to put the rubber strap into a warm, well vented room and let them rest for a week or so until they stop to smell. The heat causes the PAHs to diffuse quicker (accelerated Brownian movement of the molecules). Some report to have used a hair dryer set to medium heat - I never did this. Please be aware that a single molecule may suffice to damage your genoms and terminate your reproduction career. So please ventilate that rubber strap until it stops smelling.
Disclaimer: Please take into consideration that I am from Germany - we tend to be a lot more "green" and scared than the rest of the world.
Thank you for reading this.
Dr.Verylong
Edit: Don't cook your rubber bands. It will make them porous.
