Sensitivity to epoxy resin

  • 28 Sep 2020 15:37
    Reply # 9269603 on 9225295
    Deleted user

    When I built our 9m Sharpie using WEST and Systhem Three, I started sheeting the flat bottom on an cold early winter morning. The shop poorly heated and so a window only half open ...
    Had to see my doctor for some testing and stopped working for a year. After upgrading my tools, protection and working habits, I finished the project step by step over a period of 10 years using standard epoxy made by Sicomin.

    Maybe you have a look into the new Greenpoxy resins manufactured in France by Sicomin.com. On their website they say:
    For the Greenpoxy epoxy resin 30-50% of the carbon is obtained from plant components, the CO2 emission is reduced to approx. 40% and there is 60% less toxicity for humans

    On the website of my German supplier (timeout.de) I found a 11 page pdf file: https://www.timeout.de/pdf/SR_GREENPOXY_56_FDS_DE.pdf

    although the text is in German, you will certainly understand the following:

    BISPHENOL-A-EPICHLORHYDRINHARZE
    Reizwirkung auf die Haut, Kategorie 2 (Skin Irrit. 2, H315).
    Augenreizung, Kategorie 2 (Eye Irrit. 2, H319).
    Sensibilisierung der Haut, Kategorie 1 (Skin Sens. 1, H317).

    '... the nature of the materials require safe handling and an awareness of the appropriate safety procedures. Materials Safety Data Sheets are available for each hazardous product and can be supplied by Sicomin on request.'

    After 8 years living aboard I nowadays use cheap epoxy from the hardware store nearby. 2:1 for ease of mixing, always wear glasses, fresh gloves (nitril) and work in the open cockpit. Same with 2part polyurethan.

    Leo
    sv/tara

  • 10 Sep 2020 15:41
    Reply # 9225537 on 9225295
    Deleted user
    Anonymous wrote:

    A question as a result of the discussion about Caravelina

    Does sensitivity to one brand of epoxy mean you will be sensitised to all brands?

    I ask because I believe some of the more recently developed resins are somewhat different in compound  to resins like West or Gurit epoxy, which I have used in the past.

    Fortunately no reactions so far.


     The rule is that everybody who uses epoxy regularly will develop sensitivity eventually.  Some more rapidly than others.   The basic chemistry is essentially the same with variations, rather than being significantly different from what I've read.   I think the composition of the hardener is probably where they vary most.   Pros who handle epoxy every day often wear full body protection.   At the very least one should wear gloves, and make sure to work in a well ventilated area.

         Also of concern are products like Cabosil fumed silica... which is extremely fine and can be very damaging to the lungs, you should never use these type thickeners without wearing a good mask, and they are best mixed outdoors so you don't end up with the dust in the air of the shop.   Protect your skin, and protect your lungs...


       Here's a link to a West System's article: 

    Health Effects from Overexposure to Epoxy

  • 10 Sep 2020 14:50
    Reply # 9225425 on 9225295

    Based purely on personal experience, I'd say it varies from brand to brand....

  • 10 Sep 2020 14:01
    Message # 9225295

    A question as a result of the discussion about Caravelina

    Does sensitivity to one brand of epoxy mean you will be sensitised to all brands?

    I ask because I believe some of the more recently developed resins are somewhat different in compound  to resins like West or Gurit epoxy, which I have used in the past.

    Fortunately no reactions so far.

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