The second issue deals with concerns over additives used in rubber compounds that
may have harmful effects on the environment. In recent years, there has been a growing
movement to control heavy metals, halogenated flame-retardants, and other hazardous
and toxic materials in polymer compounds. Removing environmentally unfriendly
additives is not only an issue for rubber compounds, but also for all polymers. As
elastomers are often used in wire and cable applications one o f the major issues is the
removal o f lead compounds and halogenated flame retardant, which are often added to
these types o f compounds.