First of all, as Mike Joyce said: Reading product labels, reading MSDS, observing general safety principles and making safe use of products & materials is a personal responsibility that we should all strive to maintain.
Let me cover some general discussion and provide Links to more information that you can reference for yourself. Since this could become a chapter in a book, this Post will just be covering the high-lights. And other Replies can speak about their own specific situations and experiences.
Anyone who is having evidence of increased health problems from continued use of epoxy or rod-building chemicals should re-consider their use, and even consult an MD-Allergist. Some Allergic / Hyper-Sensitivity reactions may be IMMEDIATELY life-threatening. Yes, this is very rare, but not rare enough.
RBO Archives Search = “ALLERGâ€, “SENSITIVâ€, "ANAPHYLA"
Re: Ralph <> More info on those nasty amines please !!!!!
Cliff Hall 02-05-06 06:34 [Embedded Links]
[
www.rodbuilding.org]
The Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory of
Oxford University: Chemical & Other Safety Information
[
physchem.ox.ac.uk]
General Safety Precautions
• FLAMMABLE – Avoid use around open-flames or sources of ignition.
• Do not ingest or inhale. / Do not volatize or “flame†epoxy.
• Avoid skin contact. / Wear nitrile or latex gloves.
• Avoid concentrated vapors. / Use adequate ventilation.
• Avoid inhaling epoxy vapors, esp. “flaming†or “de-bubbling†over foil.
• Wear eye protection against chemical and mechanical injury.
• Remove soaked towels from the workroom. / Minimize exposure time.
• LINSEED OIL may SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST upon drying.
General Categories of Chemical Substances Used in Rod-Building:
Alcohols: IsoPropyl Alcohol De-Natured Alcohol Ethanol Methanol
Ketones: Acetone MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
Bases: Xylene Lacquer
Strippers: Mineral Spirits Kerosene
ETF: Epoxy Thread Finishes – AMINE Hardeners and Epoxide Resin
EpAds: Epoxy Adhesives – AMINE Hardeners and Epoxide Resin
Finish: Polyurethane Varnish
CP: Acrylics
HMGs: Hot-Melt Glues
Adhesives: CAs (Cyano-Acrylate “Krazy Gluesâ€) Kardol Gorilla Glue Contact Cement
Signs / Symptoms of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals:
• Dizziness / Headache / Faintness / Blurred Vision
• Nausea / Vomiting / Diarrhea / Increased Urination
• Skin / Eye / Throat / Lung Irritation / General Irritability
• Decreased Manual Dexterity or Slowed Reaction Time
• Confusion or Decreased Mental Agility / Acuity
Allergy / Anaphylaxis / Sensitivity / Immunology Reactions:
• Burning Skin / Watery Eyes / Difficulty Swallowing / Coughing
• Hives / Wheals / Red skin / Swelling at Point of Contact
• Sweating / Sweaty Palms / Faintness / Blurred Vision
• Changes in Heart Rate or Breathing Rate
The AMINE Hardener of 2-part Epoxy is the component that is perceived by the body’s immune system as a foreign protein or “allergenâ€. It may smell faintly like ammonia. As with any chemical, if you can smell it, you are inhaling it. –Cliff Hall.
Re: Severe Reaction to Epoxy
Erik Kunz 02-23-05 19:25
[
www.rodbuilding.org]
Most cases of epoxy sensitization are attributed to the resin... the most common being the DiGlycidyl Ether of Bis-phenol A (DGEBA) based epoxy resin oligomer with a molecular weight of 340. The sensitizing potential of an epoxy resin decreases as the average molecular weight increases, although even some higher MW molecules can still cause sensitization. … Bottom line... again... is to minimize your skin exposure.
Erik Kunz, CIH [Certified Industrial Hygienist] Santa Rosa, CA
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2006 04:35AM by Cliff Hall.
