Even when using modern solvent-free epoxies such as ours, it is still possible to become sensitised to the epoxy components. Although epoxies vary in constituents, the following is a general useful guide aimed at the amateur occasional user, which if followed, can help reduce the chances of sensitisation.
Sensitivity usually manifests itself as a type of dermatitis with red sores appearing on forearms, wrists and hands. Once a person is sensitised there is nothing that can be done about it and the rashes will appear whenever there is exposure to epoxy components, getting worse with each exposure.
There are two common ways to become sensitised:
Of the two the latter is the surest way to become sensitised.
Since we began supplying our solvent-free epoxies in 1999, no-one in our workshops has become sensitised to epoxy because we take strict precautions. The precautions we strongly recommend are as follows:
When applying epoxy:
When sanding:
Please contact us if you require further advice or clarification.