Respirator for epoxy work

T

T.B. Kind

Location
tennessee
I am preparing to start experimenting with epoxy/fiberglass.

I do not want to poison myself with the fumes.

1. Who makes the best respirator?
2. Where should i go to obtain one?

I did a search and found very little.

3. Am I overly concerned?
 
#ZERO

#ZERO

Beach Bum
Location
Florida - U.S.A.
I've never bothered to use a respirator with epoxy resin, it doesn't give off very bad fumes like the vinylester or polyester resins do. :smokin:
 
snowxr

snowxr

V watch your daughters V
Location
Waterford, MI
Check a paint supply store, if you're scared about the fumes. They may carry a charcoal filtered mask. Ventilation is more important than a mask when working with resin.
 
J

jerzyjet

-enter user title here-
Location
Dirty Jerz
Keep the area ventlated. The hardner is a catalyst and causes cancer....but only if u live in california all other states your safe.... In all serious ness if your scared just get an all purpose general paint mask from a paint or auto dealer. Or find a heavy duty dust mask thats OSHA or NOISH approved. Most masks should be NOISH approved. Go for those!!!
 
MADMAT

MADMAT

Location
Ohio
If you sand any carbon where a full body suit and mask and hat. lol.

That stuff is like microscopic carbon needles from hell.
 
snowxr

snowxr

V watch your daughters V
Location
Waterford, MI
Carbon is worse than just needles. Under a microscope it looks more like fish hook barbs. Once it digs in, it doesn't let go easily.
 
X

xplayer2885

I
Location
Long Island
I was wearing short sleeves when I did my foot holds. An my arm was rubbing on the hull as I was sanding. OMG was that ever painfull, I couldnt even touch it that nite afterward.
 
shawn_NJ

shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
Everyone thinks epoxy is safe because it doesnt stink like poly.... fact is most epoxies contain phenol, a A4 carcinogen, (Dimethoxybenzidine a carcinogen) and a :):):):)load of other VERY nasty chemicals you do not want to be exposed to. The chemical reaction releases nasty toxins you cannot smell, but they are there. You want an ORGANIC VAPOR mask. The one USComposites sells was the most comfortable I have used and provides good protection, sanding and from cat. resin fumes.
 
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J

jerzyjet

-enter user title here-
Location
Dirty Jerz
shawn_NJ said:
Everyone thinks epoxy is safe because it doesnt stink like poly.... fact is most epoxies contain phenol, a A4 carcinogen and a :):):):)load of other VERY nasty chemicals you do not want to be exposed to. The chemical reaction releases nasty toxins you cannot smell, but they are there. You want an ORGANIC VAPOR mask. The one USComposites sells was the most comfortable I have used and provides good protection, sanding and from cat. resin fumes.
Click to expand...



Very True Indeed!!!!!
 
Maxumflux

Maxumflux

Location
Knoxville, TN
jerzyjet said:
Keep the area ventlated. The hardner is a catalyst and causes cancer....but only if u live in california all other states your safe.... In all serious ness if your scared just get an all purpose general paint mask from a paint or auto dealer. Or find a heavy duty dust mask thats OSHA or NOISH approved. Most masks should be NOISH approved. Go for those!!!
Click to expand...


the hardener is MEKP and if acetone is a 4 this :):):):) is a 10! wear latex gloves!! and if you have a dry suit you can use it for sanding.. especialy carbon...

oh and MEKP will cause cancer and if you get a drop of it in your eyes your done.
 
T

T.B. Kind

Location
tennessee
Hmm - so opinions range from "Smells great, just don't eat it" to "almost radioactive"

As I am overly @nal about safety issues (and strive to cultivate a safe attitude about everything), I am going to get the mask, gloves and some disposable coveralls. Amazing how all that is on the same page
@ http://www.uscomposites.com/safety.html.

I am flush with eye protection. (on second thought an "eye wash" station in the shop . . . .hmmm)

Thanks to all
 
shawn_NJ

shawn_NJ

Chasing waves.
Location
Daytona Beach
People still smoke to even though that is known to kill you. Its just like any other bad chemicals. You try to come into contact with them as little as possible. Epoxies contain a chemicals that are bad for your liver and organs, why breath the organic peroxide/polymer/acid reactions when you dont have to? Are you going to develop a severe reaction or die if you breath it once? No, but an epoxy catalyst skin exposure reaction is a problem..... I have had it before. Who knows what exposure does to you 10-20years if you are around it alot??? Its just good to practice safety and avoid chemicals if you can. Plus fiberglass cloth/mat itself is bad to breath in when cutting and strands go airborn. As is cabosil filler (A3 carc proven to cause cancer in animals). Bottom line, proper respirator is a good thing! Coveralls are nice to stop the ichy's but not really needed.
 
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