Help with resin reaction issues

General Discussion
1

Hello.

Well, it’s finally getting to the point that I have to make some changes.

Progressively, over the years, my skin is getting increasingly sensitive to resin exposure, both polyester and epoxy. I consistantly wear a 3M mask, change my filters often, use gloves, and am fortunate enough to work in a shop with excellent extractors and filters (Surf Experience, in Gironde, France). I wear a hat and long sleeves to limit skin contact, and am extremely careful with the acetone.

Despite these precautions, most days when I leave the shop, by mid evening my forehead is turning red and by the following day every little sun-spot (Irish origins and grew up in San Diego… yep, they’re enough of them) has turned into an shallow sore. Then the scalp gets dry and flakes, after a heavy day in the shop, it’ll get sores as well. They heal in a day or two, (or three) and then I go back to the shop, and the cycle continues. I have tried switching resins, have switched to nearly exclusive use of UV catalyst to reduce exposure times, and sub-contract the lion’s share of my glassing to avoid this. In recent months, even being in the shop shaping while there is a heavy glass rotation will set off the same reaction. Same thing when I glass or do repair work in my small shop at home, despite good ventilation and limited exposure.

Anyone with some insight or a similar experience? My dermatologist is shaking her head. My wife is thinking that with skin cancer already being an issue, it’s time to stop glass work altogether. I’m considering a helmet-style mask, but am unsure if we’re dealing with vapors or a contact issue?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I’m staying out of the shop for a moment until I can make some progress on this.

Thanks in advance.

2

you can get those full body suits that would probably help, and wearing goggles. a full face mask wouldn’t be a bad idea, the only thing you have to worry about is getting claustrophobic and your face getting really hot if you don’t have a self-cooling system. i have one that has a hose pullingfresh air in from outside and it actually cools the air that is being pulled in (key on summer days).

best of luck to ya.

3

I think you hit the nail on the head so to speak.

The key to solving this is to determine whether it is from inhaling the vapor or from skin contact. I’m currently associating with a company that developed a material that allows the pores in your skin to breath while blocking toxic material(s) to be absorbed.

If you supply me with an address I could send a sample for you to try.

Best of luck with this condition.

4

DeadShaper, many thanks, you’ll have a pm in your box. That’s a really interesting concept for protection.

It’s hard to completely alleviate all the variables to know whether what type of exposure is provoking the reaction. I could always put a smear of resin on my arm while wearing a good mask, etc. but…

I’m checking into the full face masks as well as the ‘helmet’ type options in the meantime. Any model suggestions/preferences?

Mahalo.