Respirator for epoxy?

[kylemccann]

What's the consensus do you use a respirator when working with epoxy?
Received my first load of epoxy today complete with warnings of Cancer, infertility and genetic modification ?

If I'm going to buy a respirator for sanding down fibreglass etc, can I get one which protects against particles and chemicals?

 

[TQA]

I have been sensitized by my use of epoxy over the years.

I get by wearing gloves and having good ventilation / extraction when mixing or applying epoxy.

But it is when sanding epoxy I have to be really careful. I never dry sand now, I always wet sand even tiny patches and carefully dispose of any residue before it drys. I wear gloves and long sleeves with rubber bands on the gloves.

I always try to be up wind of other boats being worked on. I know people who are in a similar sensitized state to me and who have been hospitalised with severe breathing broblems due to minor exposure to epoxy dust.

 

[coopec]

You haven't mentioned whether you are working in a well ventilated area ie inside the boat or outside.

I use two types : a respirator for chemicals and a dust mask both bought on eBay very cheaply. I think I got the respirator cheaply because the elastic was defective but I replaced that and now it fits tightly.

http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1097

(I also use disposable latex gloves particularly when working with polyester resin/MEKP. The supplier of resins says the MEKP is toxic and cumulative as the body can't get rid of it)

 

[Iliade]

Forced air is undoubtedly the safest and most pleasant to use, just make sure no-one leaves their car running by the inlet...

Remote feed is the best for boat work as you then don't inhale whatever fumes are aboard.

No doubt many will call this overkill, but I have made myself ill working aboard with polyester and a friend got very ill indeed after building a glider with epoxy.

 

[macd]

What's the consensus do you use a respirator when working with epoxy?

The real consensus -- i.e what most people actually do -- is undoubtedly take no such precautions. Sanding-down is different (with almost any material to varying degrees). Sensetization is not fun, as TQA reports, but usually arises from physical contact with the resin or dust rather than the fumes. Certainly wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.

 

[duncan99210]

I've recently applied a lot of polyester flowcoat inside the project boat. I used a respirator from Screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/p/jsp-tradesman-2-mdf-mask-ab1p2/21462#product_additional_details_container after finding working without one impossible. It's also very good at keeping out dust when sanding. It's at the cheaper end of things and you can't replace the filters: rather you throw the whole thing away 28 days after opening the package. Given that I felt physical ill after trying to apply the stuff without a respirator, I'd strongly recommend using one.

 

[mihtjel]

MEKP used for polyester is really, really nasty. Definitely use a suitable respirator for that!

Some epoxies are less bad, at least, such as West System. I'll work with that outside without a respirator, but not hang around while it's curing though...

Dust masks, gloves, and eye protection is so cheap that there's no reason not to use it when sanding!

 

[kylemccann]

You haven't mentioned whether you are working in a well ventilated area ie inside the boat or outside.

At the minute I am using the epoxy in a well ventilated space, however I at some point I will be sanding back the fibreglass inside the boat and fitting the wood I am currently sealing. Oh and I'm using Gurit SP epoxy

From what's been posted would I be right in saying if in a ventilated area there's is less harm than say when you are sanding and that it's the dust that's the problem? Obviously it's a different ball game when you're inside a 19ft boat filled with epoxy fumes.

I had looked at the 28day disposable ones Screwfix sell as suggested and you can't argue with that price so I will probably go with that unless anyone has a recommendation or pro for a reusable one?

 

[sarabande]

Have achat with Moldex.

http://www.moldex-europe.com/en/products/filter-systems/easylock-filters/

They have a range of very comfortable masks inc full face, and a series of specialist filters you can change for various working environments. I use their masks when spraying herbicides, so have a vested interest in effective kit !


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