For household needs, creating models, repair work, in the manufacture of various adhesive compositions and plastics, epoxy resin is used. It consists of two components (base substance and hardener) and reliably fixes various materials together. However, many who use it for their own purposes wonder whether epoxy resin is harmful to health and, if so, how much.
Is it harmful to wear epoxy resin jewelry?
IN Lately Jewelry made from epoxy is becoming increasingly popular. When hardened, it is not inferior in reliability and durability precious stones. However, appearance noticeably worse.
The hardened composition does not emit toxic odors and harmful substances that can harm the human body. If you experience discomfort when wearing epoxy resin jewelry for a long time, you need to discard it and consult a doctor.
Occupational diseases in the field of polymer compounds
Epoxy resins are synthetic compounds. People who constantly work with these compounds are prone to occupational diseases. Resins are used in conjunction with hardeners. The second, in turn, are hexamethylenediamine, maleic anhydride and others.
Occupational diseases arise due to the sensitizing properties of the original products. Epoxy resin is made from them. List of ailments:
- Dermatitis.
- Itching.
- Redness and inflammation upper layers epidermis.
- Allergic reactions.
- Respiratory tract diseases.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Also, some components included in epoxy resins can negatively affect the human nervous system.
Toxicity of various types of adhesives
With prolonged contact with adhesives, chronic intoxication of the body may occur.
This is due to the fact that the toxicity of epoxy resin and other adhesives increases over time. Against the background of chronic intoxication, the following health problems may occur:
- Conjunctivitis.
- Headache.
- Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye.
- Airway dysfunction.
- Toxic hepatitis.
- Gastritis.
- Abdominal pain.
- Chronic cholecystitis.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Bronchial asthma.
If epoxy resin gets on open areas body, the skin may turn red and begin to itch in areas of contact with the adhesive.
Symptoms of poisoning
After it has become clear whether epoxy resin is harmful to the human body and what problems it can cause, it is necessary to talk about the most common problem that arises when long work with this adhesive. We will talk about the symptoms of poisoning by the chemical components contained in. They can be divided into symptoms of poisoning associated with the eyes and respiratory tract.
Symptoms of eye damage:
- Tearing.
- Redness and burning of the eyelid.
- Inability to focus vision.
Symptoms of respiratory tract damage:
- Dyspnea.
- Swelling of the airways.
- Voice change.
- Acrocyanosis.
After damage to the eyes and respiratory tract, painful and unpleasant symptoms can reach the gastrointestinal tract:
- Stomach ache.
- Decreased appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abnormal bowel movements (discharge may be mixed with blood).
After the appearance of symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract, the activity of the entire body decreases. The person feels thirsty and unwell. Muscle pain and drowsiness may appear.
If the resin enters the human body, ulcers may form, mechanical damage stomach and intestines, blockage. For patients whose resin has hardened in the body, surgical intervention is prescribed to rid the body of the foreign substance.
Constant work with epoxy resin can lead to the development of chronic poisoning. It is accompanied by bronchial asthma, allergic reactions, and digestive disorders. Over time, problems associated with the nervous system begin. Constant fatigue, increased nervousness or depression are direct symptoms of the influence of toxic substances on the nervous system.
After the information provided, it is clear how harmful epoxy resin is for humans.
Treatment of poisoning and prevention
The harmfulness of epoxy resin to human health has been proven. However, if poisoning or other problems with the body occur, a correct diagnosis must be made. It is necessary to take a history of the patient to diagnose poisoning.
If the stomach and esophagus were affected by chemicals, the doctor sends the patient for an x-ray. With its help, you can find out whether there are chemical burns or ulcers on the walls of the stomach and esophagus. If the problems are related to the intestines and the patient's condition becomes more complicated, a gastroscopy may be performed.
In case of chronic poisoning, mandatory diagnostic procedures are:
- Blood analysis. The acid-base balance level is checked.
- Biochemistry of blood.
Depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the presence of other symptoms, other types of examination may be prescribed.
If a person feels symptoms of poisoning, he needs to immediately take a number of actions:
- Completely stop any contact with the adhesive. Leave the work area.
- Rinse eyes with plenty of warm water.
- Unbutton your clothes.
- Sit in a semi-sitting position.
If your condition worsens, you should call ambulance. Doctors relieve swelling of the respiratory tract and eliminate irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes with drops. Antipyretic drugs and painkillers may be prescribed.
The composition includes various chemical substances that can harm human health. To avoid unpleasant symptoms, you must work in protective glasses, a respirator, gloves and work clothes. If a feeling of discomfort or pain occurs, you must immediately stop working and go to Fresh air.
Epoxy resins contain epichlorohydrin and toluene, which at temperatures of 60 0C and above are released into work area and negatively affect human health by affecting the nervous system and liver. Epoxy resins can also cause skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema) both through direct contact with them and when exposed to low concentrations of vapors from these products. The maximum permissible concentration for epichlorohydrin is 1 mg/m3.
ABOUT Epoxy resin hardeners are also toxic substances. Failure to comply with safety rules when working with them can lead to changes in the blood composition of workers, a decrease in blood pressure, and depression of the central nervous system. nervous system, breathing problems and other disorders in the body.
Hexamethylenediamine is a highly toxic product: at a vapor concentration of 0.1-0.01 mg/l, it causes a change in the composition of the blood and a decrease in blood pressure; If it gets in the eyes, it causes serious illness.
Diameter X (3,3"-dichloro-4,4"-diaminodiphenylmethane) is toxic. The maximum permissible concentration in the air of working premises is 0.7 mg/m3. This diamine exhibits carcinogenic properties. It has a harmful effect on mucous membranes, skin, respiratory organs and is a flammable product. Protective measures: respirator, rubber gloves.
N-Phenylenediamine has a harmful effect on mucous membranes, skin and respiratory organs, is a sensitizer, and weakly accumulates. In acute poisoning, lethargy, weakened response to irritation, severe shortness of breath, and paralysis occur. When working with it, you should wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and respirators.
P polyethylenepolyamine in large doses leads to respiratory failure and depression of the central nervous system; with prolonged exposure to the skin, it can cause lesions such as ulcerative dermatitis. Contact of polyethylene polyamine in the eyes causes prolonged conjunctivitis. Bottom residues from the production of hexamethylenediamine and complex amines are significantly less toxic.
Anhydride vapors cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and eyes, suffocation, and wheezing in the lungs.
Phenol-formaldehyde resins are toxic mainly due to the content of free phenol and formaldehyde, which cause diseases of the respiratory system, nervous system and dermatitis. Modified phenol-formaldehyde adhesives (phenol rubber, phenol polyvinyl acetal, etc.) are much less toxic.
Polyurethane adhesives are toxic due to the presence of isocyanates, the most toxic of which is toluene diisocyanate (TDI). It belongs to highly dangerous substances (hazard class 1), causes acute and chronic poisoning, and disruption of metabolic processes in the body. Isocyanates can cause headaches, increased irritability, and stabbing pain in the heart area.
When inhaled, they cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and in severe cases, asthma-like diseases with further chronic damage to the lungs. TDI has a cauterizing and irritating effect on the skin and disrupts some metabolic processes. In the air of the working area, the maximum permissible concentration of TDI should be no more than 0.05 mg/m3. If you are injured by toluene diisocyanate vapors, you must immediately remove the victim from the contaminated area. Isocyanates are removed from the skin with a cotton swab moistened with acetone or ethyl acetate, after which you should wash your hands warm water with soap.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose and eyes, and if it comes into contact with the skin, an unpleasant burning sensation. Safety glasses and gloves should be used when working with these adhesives.
Adhesives based on acrylic acid derivatives are slightly toxic. They are not explosive, self-igniting or volatile substances. If acrylic adhesives come into contact with the skin of your hands, remove them with a cotton swab soaked in ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and wash your hands with soap and water.
Anaerobic compounds are low-toxic and belong to class 4 of low-hazard compounds (GOST 12.1.007-76). They do not cause acute inhalation poisoning even when exposed to saturated concentrations at 22-24 0C. Do not have a pronounced cumulative effect and do not cause local irritation skin However, repeated contact may result in dermatitis. To protect the skin, work should be carried out in protective gloves and a cotton robe with the supply and exhaust ventilation turned on.
Rubbers used in the production of rubber adhesives and for modifying a number of adhesives are non-volatile under storage and processing conditions and do not affect harmful effects on the human body. Some rubbers may be mildly irritating to the skin and have a slight sensitizing effect and direct contact with the skin should be avoided. If liquid rubber gets on the surface of the skin, it is recommended to wash it off with a heated (to -50 0C) washing solution containing 10% OP-7 or OP-10, 6% trialon paste, 1% sodium carbonate and 83% water. The toxicity of rubber adhesives is mainly due to the solvents they contain.
The toxicity of phosphate adhesives is determined by the presence of phosphoric acid in their composition, therefore, when working with them, the same precautions should be taken as when working with acids.
Substances whose toxicity must be taken into account when working with adhesives include flame retardants - zinc borate, chlorinated paraffins and antimony trioxide. The toxicity of zinc borate is due to the presence of zinc oxide, which can cause an occupational disease - zinc fever, as well as boric anhydride, which has an irritating effect on damaged skin and mucous membranes. Maximum permissible concentration of zinc oxide in the working area production premises 6 mg/m3, boric anhydride 5 mg/m3. When working with zinc borate, it is necessary to use personal respiratory protection and monitor permanent job ventilation units, observe personal hygiene rules, take a shower after finishing work.
Chlorinated paraffins are low-flammable, non-toxic substances. However, due to the presence of CC14 in some of them (up to 2%), when processing them at elevated temperatures (200 0C), respiratory protection measures must be observed.
Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is a toxic substance. The fog formed by Sb2O3 vapor and its suspended dust remain stable in the air. If it enters the stomach, it causes a metallic taste in the mouth, salivation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Allergic skin diseases are possible. MPC (in terms of Sb) 1 mg/m3. Personal protective equipment - respirators, safety glasses, mittens or gloves made of thick fabric.
Some adhesives contain fillers, such as asbestos, boron nitride, aluminum powder, silicon carbide, etc. With prolonged contact with them, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, chronic bronchitis and other diseases are possible.
This is a synthetic resin that is a polycondensation product of epichlorohydrin and phenols. Epoxy resin very resistant to alkalis, acids and halogens. Has very high adhesion to metals. Epoxy resins are used to make textolites (carbon and fiberglass), electrical insulating varnishes, plastics, epoxy adhesives, plastic cements and casting compounds.
It is correct to call epoxy resins not only ED, but also all polyfunctional and bifunctional substances that contain a glycine or epoxy group - a tense ring that includes an oxygen atom and two carbon atoms. Resins are obtained by polycondensation of epichloride with various organic compounds, ranging from phenol to edible oils such as soybean. In Kazakhstan, resin is obtained from residues from the production of leather goods.
How are epoxy resins made?
In addition to the method called “epoxidation,” some types of resins are produced using the catalytic oxidation of unsaturated compounds. This is how cycloaliphatic resins are prepared. The value of these resins is that they do not contain hydroxyl groups. Due to this, the resins have high arc resistance, tracking resistance and water resistance.
Depending on the brand epoxy resin is a clear yellow-orange liquid or solid brown mass similar to tar. Liquid resin happens different color– from transparent white to wine red (epoxidized aniline).
Epoxy resin is used together with a hardener. These can be acids, anhydrides or polyfunctional amines. Tertiary amines are sometimes used as curing catalysts, which are usually blocked by a complexing agent such as pyridine or Lewis acid.
After epoxy mixed with a hardener, it can be converted into an infusible insoluble solid. For curing of polyethylene polyamine (PEPA) at room temperature it takes about a day. Anhydride hardeners must be heated to 180 °C and kept in a thermostat for 10 hours. It is also necessary to take into account cascade heating from 150 °C.
Application of epoxy resins
A variety of materials are made from these resins. Subsequently, these materials can be used in a wide variety of industries. Epoxy resin and carbon fiber combine to form carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Boat hulls are made from fiberglass with epoxy resin and can withstand the most severe impacts. The mounting bolts for Earth-to-Air missiles use a composite based on ED 20. Epoxy resins used in the manufacture of material for body armor.
If the resin is cured to the right technology, it is considered at normal conditions harmless. But its use is limited. This is due to the fact that when curing in industrial conditions a soluble precipitate remains in the ES - the sol fraction. If it is washed out by solvent and enters the body, it will cause serious harm to the body. Uncured epoxy resins are poisonous and harmful to humans.
With this in mind, you need to follow several rules.
1. Dishes that are glued together using ES cannot be used for eating or storing food.
2. You need to work with ES in rubber gloves.
3. If ES gets into your eye, you should immediately rinse it with water and consult a doctor.
4. When working with solid hardeners and resins, you must wear a dust respirator.
5. ES should not be cured in a household oven.
- Symptoms and treatment of epoxy resin poisoning
- Epoxy resins
- Is epoxy resin harmful to humans?
Harm of epoxy resin to humans: reviews and opinions When using polyethylene as containers and packaging material for food products no migration of toxic substances was detected. However, when polyethylene is treated with hot steam (80°C), migration of oligomers occurs. Attention When polyethylene is heated to 150°C, a mixture of volatile products containing unsaturated hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide is released.
About medicine professionally and simply! F-med.ru is a detailed and accessible description of diseases and methods of their treatment Medicine for everyone Search on F-med.ru Main sections This is interesting Home / Toxicology / Plastics (plastic masses, plastics) - materials consisting mainly of synthetic or natural high-molecular compounds, which during processing acquire plastic properties, and in the form finished products are solids. Plastics are characterized by high strength with low relative density, relative chemical resistance; they do not corrode.
Plastics consist of a binder, a plasticizer and a filler. In addition, lubricants, polymerization accelerators (catalysts), stabilizers, various additives, etc. are used in the production process.
Binders are synthetic resins.
Occupational diseases in the production of polymer compounds
Attention
Polyethylene polyamine in large doses leads to respiratory failure and depression of the central nervous system; with prolonged exposure to the skin, it can cause lesions such as ulcerative dermatitis. Contact of polyethylene polyamine in the eyes causes prolonged conjunctivitis.
Important
VAT residues from the production of hexamethylenediamine and complex amines are much less toxic. Vapors of anhydrides cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and eyes, suffocation, and wheezing in the lungs. Phenol-formaldehyde resins are toxic mainly due to the content of free phenol and formaldehyde, which cause diseases of the respiratory system, nervous system and dermatitis.
Modified phenol-formaldehyde adhesives (phenol rubber, phenol polyvinyl acetal, etc.) are much less toxic.
Epoxy resins
Epoxy resins contain epichlorohydrin and toluene, which at temperatures of 60 0C and above are released into the work area and negatively affect human health, affecting the nervous system and liver. Epoxy resins can also cause skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema) both through direct contact with them and when exposed to low concentrations of vapors from these products.
The maximum permissible concentration for epichlorohydrin is 1 mg/m3. Epoxy resin hardeners are also toxic. Failure to comply with safety regulations when working with them can lead to changes in the blood composition of workers, a decrease in blood pressure, depression of the central nervous system, respiratory failure and other disorders in the body.
Harm to humans from epoxy resin: reviews and opinions
In addition, most other substances included in the resin composition (epichlorohydrin and especially some hardeners) have an irritating and sensitizing effect. In case of chronic intoxication - complaints of irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, headaches, increased fatigue, and dyspepsia.
Objectively: swelling of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, catarrhal condition of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, functional disorders of the nervous system with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Possible toxic hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis, gastritis, colitis.
Toxicity of various types of adhesives
In case of chronic intoxication - complaints of irritation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, headaches, increased fatigue, dyspepsia. Objectively: swelling of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, catarrhal condition of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, functional disorders of the nervous system with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Possible toxic hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis, gastritis, colitis.
Allergic skin diseases occur primarily on exposed parts of the body, both as a result of direct skin contact with epoxy resin and other ingredients, and when exposed to dust and volatile substances.
Poisoning from plastics and synthetic resins
Poisoning with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic material obtained by polymerization of vinyl chloride in the presence of emulsifiers and initiators (organic and inorganic peroxides, potassium or ammonium persulfates, etc.) with the addition of plasticizers and stabilizers (compounds of lead, cadmium and other metals). MPC for polyvinyl chloride - 6 mg/m3. When processing PVC, the air environment may be contaminated with vinyl chloride and other volatile organic substances (esters of phosphoric and phthalic acids, etc.).
Vapor-gas-air mixtures formed as a result of the thermal-oxidative destruction of PVC can cause acute and chronic occupational poisoning. Symptoms
The material has a number of advantages over analogues:
- high strength;
- good wear resistance;
- insignificant moisture permeability;
- the best physical and chemical qualities.
Despite the excellent characteristics, the question creeps in: is epoxy resin harmful to health? How safe can it be to work with the material and products made from it? Scope of application of resins Epoxy resin is used for the manufacture of all kinds of glue, electrical insulating varnishes, and plastics. Resin can become the basis for the production of materials for any industrial area.
Epoxy resins are suitable for the manufacture of impregnating agents and epoxy adhesives. The material is used as a sealant for instruments, circuit boards and devices; resins are used to make objects for everyday use.
Epoxy resin is necessary to increase the strength of concrete and waterproof rooms.
The effect of epoxy resin on the human body
Resins are used as household glue; to do this, it is necessary to mix the material with a small amount of hardener. Mixing is carried out at room temperature, this does not cause any particular difficulties, the exact proportion depends on the manufacturer of the components.
Jewelry for women is made from the material; it can be a combination with natural leaves and flowers. Manufacturing high-strength products that can withstand maximum loads, aggressive chemicals, requires the use of a hot type hardener. To date, the following compositions have been developed that harden:
- in a humid environment;
- in salt water.
Substance along with natural wood also used for making furniture: shelving, bookshelves, tables and even chairs. Such interior items amaze with their originality and sophistication.
Negative properties polymer materials and products made from them is the ability to accumulate charges of static electricity on their surface, as well as generate high electrical potentials on the human body, which have an adverse effect during prolonged contact. Plastics are divided into 4 groups: 1. Plastics based on high-molecular substances obtained by polymerization (polyethylenes, polyvinyl chloride, fluoroplastic, polystyrene plastics, polyacrylates, etc.). 2.
Plastics based on high-molecular substances obtained by polycondensation (phenoplasts, aminoplasts, amidoplasts, polyester plastics, polyurethane, organosilicon plastics, etc.). 3. Plastics based on chemically transformed natural substances (celluloid, etrol).
4 Plastics based on natural and petroleum asphalts and resins (asphalt plastics).
The effect of epoxy resin on human health
When working with zinc borate, it is necessary to use personal respiratory protection, monitor the constant operation of ventilation units, observe personal hygiene rules, and take a shower after finishing work. Chlorinated paraffins are low-flammable, non-toxic substances. However, due to the presence of CC14 in some of them (up to 2%), when processing them at elevated temperatures (200 0C), respiratory protection measures must be observed. Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is a toxic substance. The fog formed by Sb2O3 vapor and its suspended dust remain stable in the air.
If it enters the stomach, it causes a metallic taste in the mouth, salivation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Allergic skin diseases are possible. MPC (in terms of Sb) 1 mg/m3.
Personal protective equipment - respirators, safety glasses, mittens or gloves made of thick fabric.
Spring. It's time for blossoming and a riot of colors. Experienced craftsmen do not sleep and walk with might and main through the bright meadows, collecting materials for future masterpieces. If you are wondering how to capture eternity, preserve memorable moments or create an imitation of glass on almost any surface, then ideal solution will become jewelry epoxy resin.
Epoxy resin (ER)– a transparent liquid consisting of two components: resin and hardener. When mixed, gradual hardening occurs and, as a result, the product resembles transparent plastic.
We will not dwell on the stages of working with epoxy - there are a lot of master classes devoted to this on the Internet and. Let's look at the answers to the main questions that arise when working with this material.
Is ES harmful to health?
Modern industry does not stand still and jewelry creators are offered the most purified, odorless product. Jewelry resin is not a resin for construction work, from the very smell of which you feel how a third arm begins to grow :-). But it’s still worth taking precautions. Work with gloves and in a well-ventilated area, avoid contact with eyes. And yes, you can’t eat resin at all 😉
Bubbles form in the resin. How to get rid of it?
Any epoxy needs to be given time to “settle”, that is, to rest for 30-60 minutes after you have stirred it. If there are still bubbles, warm it up a little with dry heat. For example, a hairdryer. For hair, of course. Construction material will not work - too good is also not good :-) The resin will become thinner and bubbles will come out. If these insidious bubbles have formed in an already filled mold, and you don’t need them there, pull them to the surface with a needle.
How can you color the resin?
Of course have special dyes and there is no hassle with them. But if you want to experiment, and the colors you need are difficult to find? Ink from alcohol pens will be used (note that some can radically change their color, this is an experiment), nitro paints from hardware stores, and even coloring powders for laser printers. Excellent result can be achieved using solvent-based stained glass paints. Experience has shown that Vitrail paints from Pebeo are excellent. One more secret, if you don’t want streaks, the dye needs to be added to the resin without a hardener, this will result in a uniform coloring.
The epoxy has not cured completely, is sticky and cloudy.
When mixing epoxy resin, it is extremely important to follow the proportions specified by the manufacturer. If there is an excess of the first component, your product will not dry completely and will remain sticky. If you increase the amount of hardener, the resin will become very thick and you will have a long, and possibly unsuccessful, war with bubbles. Also, stickiness and turbidity can occur due to water getting into the resin. Monitor air humidity and do not heat the epoxy in a water bath. Yes, there are such tips. But if you are just getting your teeth into it, then it’s still not worth it.
5. What shapes are suitable?
Epoxy does not stick to plastic, silicone, or tape. You can even skip the molds if you want to cover a random image or object with resin. Just use a regular file as a background. The frozen product lags behind it perfectly. There are also many jewelry molds with a ready-made area for filling.
What can be added to the ES?
Jewelry epoxy resin is a wonderful material with which you can achieve the most fabulously beautiful works of creativity. There are a lot of ideas for its use. We tried to collect the main nuances of working with it, so that you are not afraid to try new techniques. We welcome your comments and questions.
Let's make the world brighter and brighter together! 🙂