What health problems could working with Epoxy in a closed unventilated room can give you?


Question:
Worked fixing boats for 6 hours a day for 5 days and ended in the hospital for a week. Worried about future health problems

Answers:
1. The most common reaction is contact DERMATITIS, or skin inflammation. Repeated skin contact with resins and hardeners may also cause chronic contact dermatitis, which is usually milder but longer lasting. If left untreated for long periods it can progress to eczema, a form of dermatitis that can include swelling, blisters and itching.

2. ALLERGIC DERMATITIS is a more serious problem, but less than 2% of epoxy users are likely to get it. Allergic dermatitis is when the body hyperreacts to an allergen. You are most susceptible if you have been grossly overexposed to epoxy or if you are inherently sensitized or allergic to a component of epoxy. Once sensitized, additional (and sometimes increasingly severe) reactions become likely upon future exposures, even to tiny amounts of epoxy. It is difficult, but not impossible to prevent recurrences. Resume epoxy use only after symptoms disappear, and strictly follow the recommended handling procedures to prevent exposure.

3. Inhaling concentrated epoxy vapors, if done frequently or for long periods, can irritate your respiratory tract. Exposing sensitive skin areas, like the eyelids, to highly concentrated epoxy vapors may cause itching and swelling. Never breathe the sanding dust of partially cured epoxy. Epoxy chemicals remain reactive until they have cured. Serious health problems can result from sanding epoxy before it is fully cured. When you inhale these dust particles, they become trapped in the mucus lining of your respiratory system. The reactive material can cause severe respiratory irritation and/or respiratory allergies.
.breathing any nuisance dust will worsen existing respiratory problems. Smokers and others whose lungs are under strain are far more likely to develop serious respiratory problems.

***Note--I did not just copy and paste this info. I took the time to copy over the info that was important, as your question is of a serious nature--and deserves serious attention. I would also recommend asking to see the MSDS sheets for the epoxy you are wokring with to familiarize yourself with what you need to avoid to prevent further sensitization. Good luck and take care of yourself.

Other Answers:
The effects are like any drug. Brain cell depletion, lung problems, etc. If you are doing this keep a fan in the window to keep fresh air around you, or do it outside.

brain damage! DEATH! open a window




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