One possible solution to Epoxy allergies is to take antihistamine
medication, usually sold as hayfever cure. Triludan (now withdrawn) for
example. However my symptoms were very similar to hayfever/ flu though it
included headaches caused by comngestion (my mucous membranes used to swell
up).
The other important factor is the concentration of the epoxy fumes/ vapour.
Provided the work area was well ventilated I rarely suffered more than the
mildest of symptoms (in my case Redux was the worst).
The most severe symptoms occurred when the workshop was closed as in the
winter. I used masks and protective clothing but under these conditions to
no avail.
The antihistamines definitely reduced the severity of the symptoms.
Hope this helps.
Carl Pattinson
G-LABS
----- Original Message -----
From: <DJA727@aol.com>
Subject: Epoxy allergy
> I wrote to the group a while ago regarding headaches after working on the
> airplane. I have now verified that it is the epoxy that is the problem. I
did
> this through periods of time without doing certain jobs. There is a direct
> correlation there. Unfortunately, I thought that it was just doing the
active
> lay-ups of resin and glass, but I am now concluding (at 430AM with another
> headache) that it also seems to be caused by exposure to the dust from
> grinding the material (now both fiberglass and carbon fiber). I have gone
as
> far as to order a "hobby air" ventilation system and have used it for the
> last few days. It pumps in fresh air when working on the project -- to a
full
> face mask. I thought I had found a solution but, to my dismay, I sit here
> with another headache. I have been rigging the wings and have been doing
> filing of the skin to get a proper fit. I haven't worn the mask all the
time
> -- only during active grinding. I must conclude that the exposure includes
> dust from grinding and is either breathed or absorbed through the skin --
> even in the dust state. My next idea is to wear a tyvek full suit and wear
> the pumped in air mask full time anytime the fiberglass is touched. I
think I
> also need to do a better job of vacuuming the dust from the floor and
> probably mop up after each grinding. I had been crawling around under the
> airplane where there is obvious residue from the grinding operation. This
> gets it on my clothes and carries along with me all day.
>
> I have to get through this to see it to the end. unfortunately, I have the
> finish work yet to go on the flight controls, which entails much sanding
and
> exposure to the epoxy. If I had this reaction early on in the project, I
> probably would have quit. These sleepless nights with headaches are
getting a
> bit old. The good news is that I have been able to work on the airplane
for a
> 2 week stretch and have not had headaches ( due to no epoxy work - both
> sanding and lay-ups), so once the airplane is done, I will not be flying
> across the country with one hand on the stick and the other with a bottle
of
> aspirin!!
>
> If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears.
>
> One idea that pops up is to contract out the finish work on the controls.
I
> could just work a little harder at working and make the money to leave
that
> to the professionals -- at least most of it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave Anderson
>
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