The rubber mix for a tyre consists of several compounds. Depending on their different chemical and physical properties, some of the materials have to be regarded as a possible hazard to health, especially if they are not handled properly. In this paper a short overview is given about hazardous substances in a tyre factory, the situation concerning special hazardous substances in the German tyre industry, German legislation aspects and activities of the German and European Rubber Manufacturers＇ Associations.