Tenite

Downstream manufacturers mold or extrude the pellets into applications from eyeglass frames, tool handles and gun stocks to playing cards and casino dice.

Prior to World War II, Tenite was used by most American automakers to fashion steering wheels, dashboards, knobs, and handles.

During the war, Tenite was used to manufacture a wide range of military equipment, including weaponry,[2] medical devices, musical instruments, indicator lights, and other uses.

Film preservationists are discovering home movie reels made of Tenite that are decaying rapidly, with white powdery flakes covering the plastic surface.

[4] Some film preservationists have claimed that working with this decaying plastic has caused "problems with their eyes, nose, throat and lungs despite taking appropriate handling precautions.

Close up of a film reel of 8mm home movie in an album. The grey plastic reel is covered in a white powdery substance that has spread to the film.
8mm Kodak home movie reel from the 1960s showing signs of Tenite decay. Note the white powdery substance.