Epoxy safety

I have noticed that the day after working with epoxy (applying it) my throat is sore and my nose is running. I think this is the beginning of epoxy allergy, so now I'll begin to use a full mask with the approproate filter when applying epoxy as well. From earlier I am very careful not to get the stuff on my skin, but the fumes are apparently enough to trigger a reaction for me.

Phill suggested that different mix ratios was an indicator on how "risky" each epoxy formulation is. I.e. 5:1 is the worst while 2:1 is the "best". At least in his case this was the case.

Do others here have the same issues or opinions on this? Epoxy is a wonderful glue, but the health hazards are very real.

Why wouldn't you use proper mask when using such fumes other than you want to sniff some? I have full face mask which I use when spray painting and good mask with removable filters for normal use. Safety is always concern when playing with chemicals and proper half masks costs around 50 euros here, so they are really cheap when adding to total budget. Only downside is that you have to breathe little bit harder.

Well, the epoxy fumes/outgassing was supposed to be harmless unless you heated the epoxy with a heater/torch or something. It is more comfortable to work without a mask, but from now on I'll be using a mask.

Everywhere that I've read of mentions that if you get allergy even the fumes can cause symptoms, so I guess that fumes do generate some exposure. Also there is lot of difference between products, at least SP systems epoxy (Gurit nowdays?) tends to smell funny <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Anybody ever used epoxy from Bostik, I think it is pretty well spread out in Europe, they say it has lower toxicity than others, how about Resoltech ?

While it may be a reaction to the epoxy, I would be just as worried about fine particulate matter. Are there fiberglass (or wood) particles in the air? Not just when you are working, but when you are just standing around thinking what to do next. Wood can cause an allergic reaction, and if that is the case a change to a different species might alleviate the problem. Fiberglass particles may cause a reaction in your lungs and nostrils. In any cast clean air is very important.

Are you working in a closed room or is there good ventilation? Generally, ventilation is adequate safety for basic epoxy work. If forced into a close environment for epoxy work then other alternatives should be sought.

I am working in my garage, and the door have until now been closed to keep the temperature up (cold climate). Ventilation will be relatively poor with the door closed. Just two regular airvents.

Options on how to get adequate ventilation and keep the heat in a economical way? Install a wood stove there as well or use IR heaters?


Lesburn: There will no doubt be some dust in the air, but not much. We clean up the dust after sanding, but you never get all of it. I dont get the symptoms after a sanding session as I use a mask then, or while working in the garage on other things. I just get the symptoms while applying epoxy. I take the symptoms as a warning so I am grateful for all input, feedback or ideas.

Rolf,
Good topic. My own experience should serve as a caution. I am 49.9 years old and built my first boat at age 14. I have been symptom free up until my current 4 year trimaran building program. In the last year I have severe skin problems with my hands I can only assume is epoxy allergy. I'm two week away from launching but my excitement is tempered by the fact I may never be able to build another high performance boat.
I'm no expert but I noticed some things:
1. Exposure is cumulative - if you are young, better to start with good habits.
2. What seems to matter is your total body exposure - hands, lungs, mouth.
3. Cured epoxy in the "green" state can still be highly irritating.
4. Some epoxies are definately less irritating but once you develop a full blown allergy that dosen't matter. The idea of the smaller the hardner ratio the more irritating is a good rule of thumb.
5. If you want to know if you have an allergy, dilute a very small amount of resin with acetone, swab it on a bandaid with a q-tip, put the bandaid on the inner side of your arm for 48 hours. You will get a reaction if allergic.

I am 37, but have only worked with epoxy for the last 9 years. Thanks for the notes on total body exposure. I think you are very right and that we dont treat this chemical with enough respect. I am going to stock up on those disposable tyvek suits and put on "the mask" before opening the epoxy storage cabinet from now on. Earlier I have only used a mask when sanding epoxy or otherwise creating lots of dust. Ref: http://bp3.blogger.com/_rNx45wUDTHc/R3wJ8DtZ7jI/AAAAAAAAADU/FVtNvYmUOkM/s1600-h/dewaltfirstrun.jpg

Dont think I want to tempt fate and expose myself to your test <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Would have the creeps constantly while the band aid was on..

Sorry to hear that you might have crossed the threshold and might have to stay away from epoxy! Please post some pictures of your trimaran with a few words on it. We all have dreams, and I dream about a 28 foot trimaran one day and what could be done with the right boat.

I seem to have allergy to Okume, at least I got rash from day one woodwork with the Blade so no epoxy was involved.



How about Grainger's ST7? I ordered study plans, though my wife might be too wise now and torpedo these kind of ideas before they even begin.

Kevin,
Resin with a 5:1 mix ration makes my skin blister on contact
while 2:1 does not seem to affect me.
So now I use 2:1 and try not to make contact with it.
Possibly resin infusion may help downstream.
The idea of kitting out in a complete hazard type suit to build is not that appealing but I have read articles about people going that far to build their dream boat.

Regards,
Phill

The disposable tyvec suits are very user friendly. I use them for major grinding and glassing jobs. Hands, feet and face are exposed, but with boots, gloves, mask and safety glasses, you are very well protected.