Epoxy needs to be treated with considerable care - it's a very reactive
chemical in its uncured state. You need to make *every* effort to avoid
skin contact - put on barrier cream and then wear latex gloves. Keep the
rest of your body covered. *Do not* breathe the fumes - a positive
pressure mask is a good idea.
If you get it on your skin use a specially formulated skin cleaner -
under no circumstances use any form of solvent or you'll push the epoxy
into your skin. You risk dermatitis, skin cancer and sensitisation
(and once you are sensitised you are liable to get a reaction even from
cured epoxy).
Above all, don't get it in your eyes - you may cause uncurable damage
that can slowly blind you over a few years.
Sorry if this sounds alarmist but if you're not treating the stuff with
the respect it deserves perhaps you should take up golf instead!
Incidentally, polyester resin is not quite so dangerous but the hardner
(Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide - MEKP)
most definitely is - even a small amount in your eye can blind you even
if it is rapidly removed, and it's a big fire risk if it comes in
contact with any combustible organic material e.g. paper or wood.
It's not unknown for someone to clean up after a laminating job and
then have their rubbish bin spontaneously combust!
Acetone is frequently used for cleaning out brushes when working with
polyester resin - once again, this chemical should not be allowed to
contact your skin and don't breathe the fumes. Please don't use it to
wash resin off your hands!
So while we enjoy the benefits of these wonder materials, let's not
forget the risks. Most reputable suppliers of these chemicals will
provide safety literature but usually need to be asked. So ask!
Happy (but careful!) building...John.
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John Ellerington
SuperMIX Project team
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