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Ozone cracking
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<p>Cracks can be formed in many different <a href="/facts/Elastomers/kCSD0udN">elastomers</a> by <a href="/facts/Ozone/o0E5gn2p">ozone</a> attack, and the characteristic form of attack of vulnerable rubbers is known as ozone cracking. The problem was formerly very common, especially in <a href="/facts/Tires/TUgHKMQb">tires</a>, but is now rarely seen in those products owing to preventive measures. </p><p>However, it does occur in many other safety-critical items such as <a href="/facts/Fuel_line/9gLUtGNR">fuel lines</a> and rubber <a href="/facts/Seal_(mechanical)/fS9VcknS">seals</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Gaskets/gQ3bnuPK">gaskets</a> and <a href="/facts/O-rings/wp4x9hKD">O-rings</a>, where ozone attack is considered unlikely. Only a trace amount of the gas is needed to initiate cracking, and so these items can also succumb to the problem. </p>