ok so i have used epoxy for a number of years
i have had rashes before ( not that kind) but f###k its all up my arms itching like shite
every time i go near epoxy.
anyone had this prob.
** huieshapes@bigpond.com
**
Yes,
Big time…long time…
Get Calamine Lotion, you know, like when you had sunburn as a kid.
I just hope you have’nt had your fingernails falling off yet!
Josh
What are the reactions to epoxy resin allergy?
Typical allergic contact dermatitis reactions may occur in individuals allergic to epoxy resin or other components of an epoxy resin system. The uncured epoxy resin, hardener and diluent are powerful irritants and potent sensitisers. Skin contact with the hardening agent may cause severe burns. They can also cause a severe allergic contact dermatitis characterized by redness, swelling and itching. Skin should be washed with soap and water if any contact occurs. In addition, hardeners and diluents are more volatile than resin and may cause allergic reactions from breathing in fumes.Cured epoxy resins are seldom a problem but it has been found that measurable amounts of uncured reagents may remain in the “cured” resin after 1 week.
Am I allergic to epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin allergy is diagnosed from the clinical history and by performing special allergy tests, i.e. patch tests.Standard patch testing with test epoxy resin material 1% in acetone or petrolatum will usually find 75% of those allergic to epoxy, even though not every epoxy resin has the same chemical structure. The standard test does not test to the hardener, but most individuals allergic to hardeners are also allergic to the resin. Thus screening for epoxy allergy is done using the epoxy resin.
Chances of developing an allergic reaction increase with the amount and concentration of epoxy resin exposure. There is a small risk of causing allergy to develop from patch testing so the tests should only be done in at risk individuals.
Treatment of contact dermatitis due to epoxy resin exposure
If you are diagnosed with epoxy resin allergy then avoid exposure to epoxy containing products, otherwise take means to reduce potential exposure.Washing the area immediately with soap and water should treat accidental exposure from glue or paints. Sometimes, solvents (acetone, alcohol, or methyl-ethyl ketone) can be used to reduce the exposure. However, routine use of these chemicals is not recommended, as they tend to dry and irritate the skin.
Dermatitis appearing on the skin can be treated as for any acute dermatitis/eczema, i.e. topical corticosteroids, emollients, treatment of any secondary bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus), etc.
What should I do to avoid epoxy resin allergy
When using epoxy glues at home, avoid touching the glue and breathing in fumes.In the workplace try to avoid exposure to epoxy resins, however this may not be practicable. Identify potential sources of exposure using Material Safety Data Sheets; these are required for all chemicals and substances that you may come into contact with in the workplace. To reduce exposure, use special gloves (nitrile rubber or nitrile butatoluene gloves) to protect the hands. Rubber gloves do not help as the resin penetrates through the glove in 30 seconds. Vinyl and neoprene rubber are not totally protective.
Allergy is more likely to liquid (low molecular weight) epoxy resin systems used in paints and coating material than to the those used primarily for structural bonding, which have a higher molecular weight.
If you are highly sensitive to epoxy resin be aware of products that may contain it. Apart from obvious sources such as two-part glues and paints, be wary of items such as vinyl or plastic handbags, gloves and jewellery.
Alert your doctor or dentist to the fact that you have an allergy to epoxy resin. Your dermatologist may have further specific advice, particularly if you are highly sensitive to epoxy resin.
Hi Huie,
are you using the kinetix epoxy?
I thought the reactions were from washing up in acetone. I’ve found vinegar works pretty good for wash up or that rezinoff wash that FGI make.
hey josh yae calamin cover my self in it sit on the lounge whith a stubbie
watch the races. sounds good to me .
** think i might just go build some ceder ailias.**
** huieshapes@bigpond.com
**
First question is whether you’ve used acetone in your work. That seems to be the common link in most of our industry’s sensitization cases. I know you’ve been around polyester all your life also, nothing scientific here but it seems the more poly you’ve handled, the more likely you are to get sensitized. Again, that’s just an observation from knowing a lot of glassers.
Hope it clears up, whatever caused it. Some beer therapy maybe in order. It’s medicinal, ya know?
Yeah…
While I can’t contemplate chucking brushes and squeegees out after every use, I do minimise contact with dirty acetone. Thats been clear for a long time. Gloves on when washing up.
It has been a while and a big change in climate since I got it bad. (sweat does’nt help…the hardener sensitivity PLUS heat rash is no good!)
I also have a tap nearby to wash my forearms and hands regularly, resin or dust, but there are some days when I declare it a no-resin day.
Give yourself a break from it when you get that heavy “over-it” bodily sensation…
Josh
yea josh it is worse in these temps 35 deg C 55% humidity
it even effects my eye lids
i perfected a no acetone clean up long ago clean up is not the prb.
i walk in the same room as it & its on sanding is a big prblem in this climate with plastic suit
i am just geting to old i think.
** huieshapes@bigpond.com
**
Sorry to hear of your problem Huie -
hope you’ll forgive me taking this opportunity to ask , are you going to post some more pics of that lovely yellow quad / five fin of John Harris 's ?
Howzit huie, You haven’t mentioned what brand of epoxy you are using or have used in the past. The West system was famous for causing allergic reactions in the past. Being one who has done 99% poly work as far as surfboards go I have never had any type of reactions to any thing and I was a no glove stick my hands in all 3 tubs of acetone for years. Hate to say this but if you can’t even walk into a room with epoxy or it’s fumes are may have to stop using it all together. You are not alone in this situation, there are lots of guys even boat builders and I know that Bruce Jones got so he couldn’t go into a room with the fumes with out having a reaction. See a doctor and tell him what you do and hopefully he can help you. It is definitly time to take some type of action and we aren’t doctors here on Sways as far as I know. Aloha,Kokua
hey kokua
** its ok i just got a bit slack its been preety hot so i just havent been protecting myself**
the epoxy i have been using are atl kinetics. havent used the west stuff since the eightys
anyway forget about me how are you.
** look after yourself.**
** huieshapes@bigpond.com
**
hey nuc
**its a cple a weeks since i talked to harry** **he was off to indo**
**i will get some pics& post next week
**