Has anybody else had some type of allergic reaction to epoxy? I am new to this and I love it.My problem is every time I do any epoxy work, I wake up the next day with my eyes swollen half shut. Is this just me? It does not matter whether it is glue or finish. I am currently using flex coat for both. Thanx in advance.

It is possible to become "sensitized" to the amines in epoxy. This can lead to serious complications. I'd advise speaking to your doctor or an allergist about this.

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Have you tried some goggles to shield your eyes from any fumes?

Thank you for your reply. I really dont want to give up this rod building addiction. I have only completed three rods but each one gets a little better.I guess i will just have to bight the bullet and go see the doctor.

There are adhesive and finishing alternatives outside of epoxy.

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No I have not tried goggles, but that is my next step. Thanx for the idea.

Please read very carefully - the goggles will prove to be useless if you have sensitization problems.

If I can help with providing a list of procedural changes or alternatives for the two part epoxy system please contact me via email by clicking on my name a the top of this post.

[www.dermnetnz.org]

Please explain, what would you suggest? I can't afford to lose a days work every time i work on a rod, plus this can not be good for me. Thanx in advance. I appreciate it.

Thank you. I apprciate your time. Very informative. Good looking out.

Stop working with the two part epoxy and get it out of your shop until you can verify problem.

Go to the doctor and verify you have a tendency be sensitized by the use of amine bearing chemicals.

This could be potentiall serious - mine was!

If so get the two part expoxy out of your shop - or change your handling procedures - if you are working in a small, hot area with air currents, i.e. airconditioning blowing in your face, you are increasing your chances of serious problems.

Stop work with the stuff until you can get the correct information - it will not come from this Internet Forum.

If you seek alternatives that will work here are some viable choices.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Chris,

I suggest that you do exactly as Bill and Tom recommend

If your are hyper allergenic to epoxies: Advice such as using goggles, masks, latex gloves etc. will not help in the least.

From your described reactions I'd suggest that you stay away from all epoxies entirely, and consult with your physician.

I've been dealing with this scenairo for over 15 years <> But still run a very successful custom rod shop

My only solution was to eliminate my exposure to epoxies 100%.

... There are alternatives.

Bob Meiser

I believe the correct information can and already has come from this internet forum----- "I'd advise speaking to your doctor or an allergist about this."

Thanx bill. Good advice. good looking out.

Bob thank you for your reply. What are my alternatives?

One thing I would suggest when seeing your doctor is to take the MSDS with you. This will really help the Dr identify what chemicals you are being exposed to.

A few months ago I thought I had developed a sensitization. After taking the MSDS to the Dr and narrowing things down... we figured out I had become sensitized, but not to amines or anything in the epoxies I use. Believe it or not - it was the sunscreen I had been using every weekend when fishing was causing the reaction. The MSDS speeded the process in giving the Dr some potential causes for the reaction. Just helpful info to carry along.

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Chris,

Give me a call sometime and we can discuss 541-770-4677 PST

I'm much better at phone chats then I am at typing.

Bob Meiser

Several years ago I was found to be very allergic to the epoxies by my dermitologist. But I continue to build flyrods. I am very careful around the epoxies and faithfully use surgeons (non-latex) gloves and cover my mouth and nose with a protective mask while mixing and applying. After applying, I scrub my hands and arms thouroughly. This has workes quite well for me. The gloves can be found at most drug stores (like Walgreens).

If people spent more time on important things, there would be a shortage of flyrods.

oh boy .. after looking at the link by Bill, i thnk i may have slight sensitivity to rod finish.. i have a bit of skin peeling near the mouth which i pegged down to food allergy.. but it seems that it may be related to fishing!

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Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day..
Teach a man to fish, he'll be broke!