Epoxy resins have been used in various industries for over 50 years. Under this name, synthetic organic, partially polymerized compounds of a viscous consistency are combined. By themselves, the resins are non-volatile and non-toxic; in a closed container, they remain fluid for a long time. The resin hardens in the presence of hardeners. Health hazards are polymerization catalysts.

The health risks of epoxy

Aliphatic polyamine and polyamide compounds are used as polymerization catalysts. The penetration of toxic reagents into the human body when working with epoxy is possible through the skin, by inhalation of vapors or dust. Sometimes episodes of accidental ingestion of epoxy resin components are recorded.

Epoxy resin poisoning can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration of exposure and the concentration of the toxic component. Acute intoxication is the result of ingestion of the toxin or prolonged inhalation of vapors. People who constantly work with epoxy are more likely to develop chronic intoxication caused by the regular intake of poison into the body.

Symptoms of poisoning

When poisoning with epoxy resins, the organs that are in direct contact with the poisonous substance are primarily affected.

A complex of symptoms that occur when the mucous membranes of the eyes are affected:

• burning sensation in the eyes;
• eye redness;
• lacrimation;
• swelling of the conjunctiva and cornea;
• defocused look.

When the respiratory tract is affected, the victim is observed:

• hoarseness of voice;
• acrocyanosis;
• fluttering of the wings of the nose;
• dyspnea;
• respiratory failure;
• swelling of the airways.

Patients with signs of inhalation intoxication show increased anxiety, they often have a fear of death.

At constant contact with epoxy resins and inhalation of small amounts of volatile components, a chronic form of poisoning develops with signs of systemic damage to the body.

In almost every case, chronic bronchitis is detected. Simultaneously with the pathological process in the lungs, signs of disorders from the side of nervous system. Patients become emotionally unstable, prone to expressive reactions to ongoing events, capricious. Among the typical complaints of patients with developing neurotoxicosis are increased fatigue and nervousness.

Due to poisoning, it is possible to develop bronchial asthma, chronic cholecystitis, gastritis, colitis. Volatile components in direct contact with the skin provoke allergic diseases.

The clinical picture of poisoning with epoxy resins in case of accidental ingestion is dominated by symptoms of damage to the digestive system in the form of acute gastritis, gastroenteritis or enterocolitis.

Signs of systemic lesions are usually mild. The form and severity of clinical manifestations of poisoning depend on chemical properties and the amount of resin and / or its components taken, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism and the general health of the victim.

From the gastrointestinal tract observed:

• stomach ache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• diarrhea with blood impurities.

Victims may complain of thirst, drowsiness, fatigue, general weakness, indicating the development of general acute intoxication and dehydration.

If accidentally swallowed resin has already been mixed with a hardener, the victim will show signs of mechanical damage to the intestines or acute intestinal obstruction. The overall clinical picture depends on the amount of the mixture consumed and the localization of the calculus formed during the hardening of the resin. Such cases are characterized by the manifestation of a symptom complex known as "acute abdomen". Surgical treatment is indicated for patients with suspected epoxy hardening in the intestinal lumen.

The components of some resins are very aggressive and, on contact with mucous membranes, cause chemical burns with the formation of a typical burn eschar at the site of the lesion.

Treatment for intoxication and prevention

Acute inhalation poisoning with epoxy resins is diagnosed based on the patient's history. Standard laboratory tests are carried out to assess the general condition of the victim.

Toxicological studies are carried out only in the presence of technical base to perform the necessary analyses.

In acute oral poisoning, the patient's condition is often aggravated by chemical burns along the digestive tract, intestinal obstruction, and sometimes intestinal perforation. To confirm suspicion and determine the localization of the lesion, an x-ray examination is performed. Depending on the condition of the victim, sigmoidoscopy or gastroscopy can be additionally performed.

If chronic poisoning is suspected, the following must be carried out:

• blood chemistry;
• analysis of the acid-base state of the blood.

Additionally, other studies may be prescribed depending on the prevailing symptoms.

In acute inhalation and contact poisoning, it is important:

1. Immediately stop further contact of the victim with the toxin and remove him to fresh air.
2. Rinse the patient's eyes running water unbutton his clothes.
3. Sit or lay the victim in a comfortable position and call an ambulance.

If a person has noticeable difficulty breathing, he is tormented by choking or coughing, this may indicate developing swelling of the airways. In such cases, he needs to provide the most gentle, namely, a stable semi-sitting position.

The arriving ambulance team will act in accordance with the specifics of the victim's condition. First of all, he will be given drugs that eliminate edema, and if necessary, he will be transferred to artificial lung ventilation.

Treatment of acute intoxication is carried out in a hospital, the tactics of therapy are selected depending on the type of lesion. Patients are prescribed drugs that eliminate swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes. If necessary, antibiotics, painkillers and antipyretics are included in the course.

In acute oral poisoning, systemic detoxification methods are used:

• stool stimulation;
• forced diuresis;
• antidote treatment with the use of enterosorbents;
• hemodialysis.

Additionally, probiotics and general strengthening drugs are prescribed.

In severe cases, the victim is hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

Chronic intoxication is treated on an outpatient basis. The choice of drugs depends on the characteristics of the clinical picture of a particular case.

Epoxy resins contain epichlorohydrin and toluene, which, at temperatures of 60 0C and above, are released into the working area and adversely affect human health, affecting the nervous system and liver. Epoxy resins can also cause skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema) both by direct contact with them and by the action of low concentrations of vapors of these products. MPC for epichlorohydrin is 1 mg/m3.

O epoxy resin hardeners are also toxic substances. Failure to comply with safety regulations when working with them can lead to a change in the composition of the blood of workers, a decrease in blood pressure, depression of the central nervous system, respiratory failure 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; Causes serious illness if it comes into contact with the eyes.

Diamet X (3,3"-dichloro-4,4"-diaminodiphenylmethane) is toxic substance. MPC in the air of working premises is 0.7 mg/m3. This diamine exhibits carcinogenic properties. It has a harmful effect on the mucous membranes, skin, respiratory organs and refers to combustible products. Protective measures: respirator, rubber gloves.

N-phenylenediamine has a harmful effect on the mucous membranes, skin and respiratory organs, is a sensitizer, slightly cumulates. At acute poisoning there are lethargy, weakening of the reaction to irritation, severe shortness of breath, paralysis. When working with it, wear safety goggles, rubber gloves, respirators.

P polyethylenepolyamine in large doses leads to respiratory failure, depression of the central nervous system; with prolonged exposure to the skin, it can cause lesions such as ulcerative dermatitis. Contact with polyethylenepolyamine in the eyes causes prolonged conjunctivitis. Distillation 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, wheezing in the lungs.

Phenol-formaldehyde resins are toxic mainly due to the content of free phenol and formaldehyde in them, which cause diseases of the respiratory system, nervous system and the appearance of 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 in their composition, the most toxic of which is toluene diisocyanate (TDI). It belongs to highly hazardous substances (hazard class 1), causes acute and chronic poisoning, and disruption of metabolic processes in the body. Isocyanates can cause headache, increased irritability, stabbing pains in the region of the heart.

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, disrupts some metabolic processes. In the air of the working area, the MPC TDI should be no more than 0.05 mg/m3. In case of damage by toluene diisocyanate vapors, the victim must be immediately removed from the contaminated area. Isocyanates are removed from the skin with a cotton swab moistened with acetone or ethyl acetate, after which hands should be washed. 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. Wear protective goggles and gloves when handling these adhesives.

Adhesives based on acrylic acid derivatives are slightly toxic. They do not belong to explosive, self-igniting and volatile substances. If acrylic adhesives come into contact with the skin of the hands, they should be removed with a cotton swab moistened with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and washed with soap and water.

Anaerobic compositions are low toxic, belong to the 4th class 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. They do not have a pronounced cumulative effect and do not cause local irritation of the skin, however, repeated contact may cause dermatitis. To protect the skin, work should be carried out in protective gloves and a cotton gown with the supply and exhaust ventilation turned on.

Rubbers used in production rubber adhesives and for the modification of a number of adhesives, non-volatile under storage and processing conditions and do not have a harmful effect on the human body. Some rubbers may be mildly irritating to the skin and are slightly sensitizing, so direct contact with the skin should be avoided. If liquid rubbers get on the skin surface, it is recommended to wash them off with a heated (up 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, so the same precautions should be taken when working with them 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 irritates damaged skin and mucous membranes. MPC of zinc oxide in working area industrial premises 6 mg/m3, boric anhydride 5 mg/m3. When working with zinc borate, it is necessary to use personal respiratory protection equipment, monitor the constant work ventilation units, observe the rules of personal hygiene, take a shower at the end of work.

Chloroparaffins are slow-burning 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 are stable in the air. Ingestion 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, goggles, mittens or gloves made of dense 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.

goodevil 22-05-2010 15:23

Good afternoon! I bought myself a knife, Spyderco tenanious. His pads are made of J-10. But since the clip is rearranged in 4 different positions, there are holes for fastening on 4 sides. I decided to close them up, since I was not going to rearrange the clip. To do this, I took epoxy, added paste from a gel pen for black. Removed the pads and carefully filled the holes for the screws. Then he sanded. It turned out pretty bad.
Only today I read that epoxy, even after drying, is terribly poisonous. And skin contact is dangerous. The question is, is it really that dangerous? My coverage area turns out to be small - holes the size of a match head. Or will it have to be drilled back? Tell me what to do

DesignerHP 22-05-2010 15:30

:) I'm epoxy wooden spoon glued, 6 years ago. Seems to be alive and well.

Klingo 22-05-2010 15:33

Epoxy resin components are highly carcinogenic. Cured epoxy is biologically inert. In your case, despite the fact that there is no certainty that the resin components have fully reacted, the contact area with the hand is so small that there is no reason to worry. It is more harmful to drive around the city in a car, exhaust gases are MUCH more harmful there.

DesignerHP 22-05-2010 15:39

quote: Originally posted by Klingo:

Epoxy resin components are highly carcinogenic.

AleksBr 22-05-2010 17:50

After hardening, it is harmless, the domain is clearly annoying, which I don’t understand.

Kazak354 22-05-2010 18:08

Everything in our life is harmful. The knife itself is very dangerous - you can cut yourself with it, and bring the infection into the wound.
And about epoxy - yes, it is not suitable for finishing the handle. But, if you can’t, but really want to, then you can.
Many trees are stabilized (impregnated) with epoxy, then the handles are sharpened - and nothing; this, like her, "self-made micarta from jeans" is glued through with epoxy and the lining on the handle is sharpened - and that's fine.

kemm 22-05-2010 18:29

quote: From the wiki:
Although properly cured epoxy resin is considered to be completely harmless under normal conditions, its use is severely limited, since some sol-fraction, a soluble residue, remains in the ER when cured under industrial conditions. It can cause serious damage to health, if washed with solvents and enters the body. Uncured epoxy resins are quite toxic and can also be harmful to health.

22-05-2010 18:38

quote: Originally posted by Klingo:
Epoxy resin components are highly carcinogenic.

Harmful resin itself or hardener?

quote: Cured epoxy is biologically inert

quote: My coverage area is small - holes the size of a match head. Or will it have to be drilled back? Tell me what to do

head 22-05-2010 21:02

I encountered only one problem - from one of the components of the Dzerzhinsk EDP, the skin peels off the fingers in a couple of days, if you didn’t notice and didn’t immediately wash it off with acetone

sheb 22-05-2010 21:10

I doubt the resin will neutralize the hardener. All the same, he is there inside and gradually stands out IMHO. But the problem is that there is no alternative. Do not glue with casein.

Apply in radio and electrical engineering as dielectrics and insulating material; in varnishes, paints, fillers, for adhesives, impregnations, etc.

Are obtained liquid epoxy resins by condensation of epichlorohydrin with dihydric alcohols or phenols, more often with diphenylolpropane (Diane, various brands of ED, E; abroad, EPON brands), with resorcinol (epoxy-resorcinol, various brands of RES). Hardeners - amines (hexamethylenediamine, polyethylenepolyamines, triethylenetetramine), acid anhydrides (maleic, phthalic, succinic), acids, diisocyanates.

Chemical properties. The reactive epoxy and hydroxyl groups of epoxy resins react with hardeners, resulting in cross-linking of the molecules. Uncured epoxy resins are soluble in some organic solvents, cured ones are insoluble. The amount of epoxy groups for resins ED-5, ED-6*, ED-37 is 11-20%, the content of volatile substances (mainly toluene) is 0.5-2.5%. A feature of the use of epoxy resins is the need for their curing directly during application, which usually leads to the release of volatile ingredients into the air. Separation of volatiles from coatings based on epoxy resins increases significantly when heated to 85 °. From coatings that are a mixture of epoxy resins with polyamide resin, volatile compounds are released already at 40° (Gorshunova et al.). E-181 and ED-5 resins, when used, release epichlorohydrin, dibutyl adipate and diphenylolpropane into the air. The release of volatiles noticeably decreases after heat treatment of the resin at 50°C for 45-60 hours (Ovcharenko). The migration of the initial monomers (epichlorohydrin and diphenylolpropane) into the water occurs when the ED-5 resin is lowered into wastewater(Boltromyuk).

toxic action. The resorptive effect of epoxy-resorcinol resins is higher than that of Dianic resins; in the latter, the lower the toxicity, the higher the molecular weight. In cured resins, apparently, the resorptive effect is weak if they do not contain residues of the original products. The most dangerous are skin diseases arising from direct contact and as a result of sensitization. Dermatitis is sometimes accompanied by irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. The toxic effect is exacerbated by the use of hardeners with irritating and sensitizing properties (Alekseeva, Terentyeva;; Mehl et al.).

Workers in the manufacture and application of epoxy resins complained of headache, nausea, poor appetite, burning eyes, swelling of the eyelids, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, skin diseases (Hine et al .;. In a survey of about 500 workers with epoxy resins, a third of of them, diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, pharyngitis, etc.) were found with a relatively short experience, increasing with its lengthening.In 20%, lesions of the broncho-pulmonary system were detected, and with an experience of 5 and over 10 years, diseases were noted in 29% of the examined. Cases of bronchial asthma were also identified, especially with an experience of 3-5 years.The disease was preceded by bronchitis, often with asthmatic attacks.ECG signs of damage to the heart muscle were observed in those suffering from bronchitis.The examined workers had disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver (violation of protein, pigment and carbohydrate metabolism.) Almost 20% of those examined suffered from conjunctivitis, mostly in combination with skin lesions.

In the process of using epoxy resins and hardeners, skin diseases are observed both in direct contact with them and when exposed to dust and volatile substances. Diseases are manifested in the form of itchy red spots, papular-vesicular rash, eczematous dermatitis, sometimes weeping eczema, and edema, especially of the skin of the face. Not only open parts of the body are affected, but also parts of the body covered by clothing (Burn). The number of skin lesions is usually high: some authors believe that 75% of workers get sick (Burn et al.; Siboulet; Grandjean; Welker; Hine et al; Plescher et al.; Spasovsky et al.;). The skin lesions were of an allergic nature, which was confirmed by positive skin tests with diluted dianova resin in almost 68% of the workers (Gulko; Surkova, Saperova; Kerimova, etc.). Some mastics based on epoxy resins, such as mastics KD-1, BI-2, are also the cause of skin diseases (Pushkar, Borisenko; Volodchenko).

When applying ED-5 and ED-6 resins to the skin of female mice for 45 days, their estrous cycle was disturbed (Proshina).

Maximum allowable concentration. According to the recommendation of some authors, it should be set according to the content of epichlorohydrin in the air and somewhat lower than for epichlorohydrin itself. So, for epoxy resins, ED-5, ED-40, it is recommended for epichlorohydrin 1 mg / m 3; for E-181 and for resins EA-1 and DEG-1 0.8 mg / m 3 (Korbakova et al.;).

Personal protection. Prevention measures. Respiratory protection against volatile substances and aerosols released from epoxy resins and all compositions containing it during curing, heating, processing. If necessary, work in poorly ventilated spaces - hose gas masks with forced supply of clean air. Sealed goggles. Gloves, sleeves, aprons made of polyethylene, chlorosulfone polyethylene. The use of protective pastes such as HIOT-6, "invisible gloves", "biological gloves", siloxane ointments, paste IER-1, etc. Remove adhering resin from the skin immediately (with soft paper), and then rinse with warm water and soap.

Mechanization of preparation of epoxy resins and their compositions and elimination of direct contact of workers with epoxy resins and all materials containing them; limiting the content of the most dangerous volatile impurities in epoxy resins. See Kardashov et al.; “Safety regulations and prom. sanitation when working with epoxy resins and materials based on them”, approved. Central Committee of the Trade Union of Aviation and Defense Industry Workers 9/VIII 1962; " Sanitary regulations when working with epoxy resins”, M., 1961; guidelines"Issues of occupational health and toxicology in the production and use of epoxy resins", L., 1961.

Preliminary and periodic (by a therapist once every 24 months and by a dermatologist once every 6 months) examinations upon receipt and use of epoxy resins, adhesives, etc. .

In animal experiments epoxy resins UP-612, UP-632, UP-629, diepoxy resins did not show irritating and sensitizing effects, but signs of their penetration through the skin were found (Kharchenko, Mishchenko).

For individuals who have worked with epoxy compound EK-242, diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. The concentration of epichlorohydrin in the air significantly exceeded the allowable limit. Skin diseases manifested in the form of dermatitis. EF Compounds and EPF-2 have an irritating and sensitizing effect (Pushkar, Borisenko; Zagidullin). When heated compound EPM-2 it is recommended to set MPC for epichlorohydrin - 1 mg/m 3 .

Fiberglass Metholon-E(with 30% modified epoxy) releases epichlorohydrin and chlorinated hydrocarbons when heated (Dvoskin et al.).