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DSK DSK is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,419
Default West System epoxy allergic reaction solution?

SkipGundlach wrote:
I seem to have developed a sensitiviy/allergy to West System epoxy
sanding dust, or perhaps fiberglass.



Others have written that cured epoxy is inert, which is
true; but it is still possible to have a reaction to it. I
have seen this in a few people where a fully cured (as in
several years old) epoxy surface set off a skin reaction.
Very uncommon.

Even uncured epoxy resin is relatively safe, it's the
hardeners that are bad. Do not get epoxy hardener, or mixed
resin, on your skin. If you do, don't clean it off with any
kind of solvent including vinegar. Use a soft cloth or paper
towel to blot off the bulk of it, then plain old soap &
water for the residual film.

Skip, you don't mention exposure to uncured epoxy or
hardeners. IMHO your skin reaction is much more likely to be
the glass in the sanding dust. If you're getting this on
your bare skin, you're probably also getting it in your
lungs. So STOPPIT!

Also quit taking drugs. They will only make you worse in the
long run.

Bob wrote:
Glass dust is a bitch and presents a real problem removing it from
clothing.


Agreed. The best way to remove it from clothes is to hang up
the clothes in the wind for about a week. Do not wash them
in a washing machine with other clothes!

Fiberglass dust will also ruin Gore-Tex rain gear.


Some antibiotics create a sun sensitivity and will produce a skin
rash.


That's definitely true, as will some PABA sun blockers all
by themselves.

One thing I don't think anybody has mentioned... good old
fashioned Vaseline is a good way to protect your skin from
all kinds of irritants including fiberglass dust. just be
sure to wash it off with cold water, hot water opens the
pores and the dust gets in.


A friend of mine drank alcohol daily and after a few years "got a
weird rash" nobody could cure. He stopped drinking cause he was in jail
and his rash disappeared after two months of jail house sobriety. Do
you drink a pint of booze daily?


heh heh in some boat yards, it's hourly.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King