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List,

In the PADI Undersea Journal - Second Quarter 2000, at page 79 there is
a interesting note :

"Several scuba manufactures now recommend against using Viton o-rings in
any equipment used for production or delivery of breathing gases. The
concur is that when Viton combusts, it releases a gas compound that is
higly toxic in even trace amounts.
In most circumstances, Viton is one of most oxygen-tolerant o-ring
materials, making the probability of a combustion reaction exceedingly
low. This is why, until now, it was considered an optimum material for
o-rings in high oxygen equipment, such as those used for the production
od enriched air nitrox, and for breathing enriched air nitrox or oxygen.
However, because Viton combustion in breathing equipment can be lethally
toxic, several manufactures now recommend against it, even thought Viton
combustion is highly unlikely. Alternative material o-rings do not 
resist combustion quite as well as Viton, but do not pose the same
toxicity risk and are still unlikely to combust in otherwise oxygen
clean and compatible equipment. For specific recommendations regarding
the use of Viton and information about suitable alternatives to Viton
o-rings in breathing equipment, contact the manufacture of the equipment
in question."

So, I would like to hear from you guys, specially inside the USA, what
kind of material are you using at this moment.

All the Best,

Zeca


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