epoxy resin reaction

posting this in boat maintenance because its where all the restoration info is.my question is anyone having bad skin reactions to epoxy resin?just finished first stringer in my 86' and on my second battle with bad reaction.its like having poisin ivy X 10.i was very careful and it could have been much worse.second time i got it just around my eyes and hoping to avoid another round of prednisone.iam just curious if anyone has dealt with any kind of reaction.

Yes I got something very close to poison ivy a couple of times as I have been doing my project. It was when I got some of the resin on me and did not remove it right away. It was on my skin for about 30 minutes or longer then I cleaned it off. Like you said it was very poison ivy like and stayed for about a week or so each time.

Myself, never.

Thankfully i wear latex gloves and cartridge style respirater.i cant imagine having it in my lungs.i even started taping my wrists because you could see where my thumbs touched my wrists when removing gloves.it looks like iam going to have to find a full face mask.the eyes are obviously sensitive to fumes.

Mine was in odd places. I got it once on the back side of my leg around my knee and the other time was on my forearm. Never got any inside my paints though.

Yes big time reaction..... After working with the stuff for 8 years on a daily basis I finally became allergic to a common resin we use in the shop for standard wet cloth lay ups. I determined the culprit was the catalyst added to the base that I developed a reaction to. I've become so sensitive to it that if I get within arms reach I end up looking like the below picture.
I normally use a full face respirator before I even grab the cans to measure out and mix up the stuff. One day I was getting ready to go home for the weekend when a guy asked how fix a fiberglass engine fairing that I helped develop a repair for. I demonstrated how to dip the brush into the resin and stretched my arm as far as it would go (didn't have my respirator on) and showed the guys how to lay it up. They looked at me rather odd as I keep my arm stretched out the whole time. MY eyes itched the whole rest of the day and when I woke up the next day I looked like THIS!






So to answer your question YES! It can happen just from the vapors coming off the stuff!

I've had reactions from time to time. The lab I'm in has lots of resins, paint stripper, adhesives ect...

I've had more respratory reactions than skin though.

People don't know in but your skin IS the largest organ.   

The reactions you guys are describing do sound like reactions to something in the resin but I wanted to bring up something else that could a trigger or catalyst here. LATEX. Latex allergies have become more and more popular especially from those who use latex on a daily basis. Here at the fire department we have gone away from latex products all together. Just something else to think about.

Waterdog wrote: One trick I do is put on 3 pairs on gloves at once, so you can peel them off as they get soiled.

Good tip- never thought of that!

Ive never had a reaction to epoxy, but have heard allergies can develop after prolonged exposure. I really feel for you guys- Im not sure what I'd do if I couldnt work with the stuff anymore... Im hoping to have a lot of projects in my future! Maybe I should start to invest in some more extensive PPE.

Ha, good story on the poison Ivy Joe. I'm just the opposite on that, used to be covered head to toe as a kid. I still get it every year because we camp so much but the outbreaks are not nearly as bad.

Now as for epoxies I think you guys are on to something because for about a year I've been having to take Benedril every day to clear up spontaneous rashes on my arms ( I've recently switched to Claritin so I don't fall asleep at my desk). The only thing I think I could contribute this to is the epoxy finishes I'm using on the Hurricane. I'm quite careful and always wear gloves and respirator but it has to be related to the epoxies as I think we've eliminated every other possibilty we can think of. Alergies are a very aggravating issue to resolve.

Be careful guys......this is one I use here (its the hardener)

Material Safety Data Sheet 91 / 155 / CEE
1- Product and company identification
Trade name: SD 8205
Curing agent for epoxy resin
Manufacturer / Supplier:
SICOMIN Composites
RN 568 Quartier la Moutte BP 23
13 161 Châteauneuf-les-Martigues Cédex -France-
Tél: 33.(0)4.42.42.30.20 Fax: 33.(0)4.42.81.29.29 composites@sicomin.com
2- Composition / Information on ingredients
Chemical characterization: Polyamines and base Mannich
CAS Number Chemical Name % Symbol Risk Classification
9046-10-0 Alkylether polyamin < 40 C 21/22 34
1477-55-0 m-Xylene diamin < 60 C 22 34
3- Hazards Identification
C: Corrosive
R 21/22 Harmful by skin contact and if swallowed
R 34: Causes burns
R 43: May cause sensitization by skin contact
Signs and symptoms of exposure (Possible longer term effects):
Repeated and/or prolonged exposures may result in : adverse respiratory effects (such as cough,
tightness of chest or shortness of breath); adverse skin effects (such as defatting, rash, irritation
or corrosion); adverse eye effects (such as conjunctivitis or corneal damage).
4- First aid measures
Signs and symptoms of exposure (acute effects)
Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15'. Get medical attention.
Skin contact:
Immediatly remove contaminated clothing. Remove the excess and wash with water and soap.
Get medical attention.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. Consult immediately a physician
Inhalation:
Remove from the contaminated area and keep warm and at rest.
5- Fire fighting measures
Suitable extinguishing agents:
Powder CO2, foam. Cool the containers with water spray
Products to avoid:
ND
Products of combustion will include:
Poison gas as nitrogen gas (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO)
Protective equipment:
Use breathing apparatus
SD 8205

Matt sounds like it's a onesie overall for you with hood,don't buy cheep they won't fit or will leak

morfoot,thats exactly what my face looks like right now lol!thanks guys for sharing all the great info,i knew i would get a good response.little scared about the rest of the project.i got a long way to go and thousands invested.it makes me sick thinking about giving up.one more try with full face respirater,if that fails someone could end up with a great project on the cheap.

i apply a lot of lotion(gold bond) to the areas on my face and arms that might become exposed to to whatever chemical i'm working with that day. they used to make a product called liquid glove but i can't find it anymore, that was perfect. and like at the hospital wash frequently.

SNobsessed wrote: I decided to make a fresh air hood. I used an air pump salvaged from an air bed. Used a sump pump hose & an old welding helmet. An old coat made a skirt, some duct tape, & it is operational. Total outlay $6.

Chris,
Pictures? I've got to see this thing!