Don't know about that but do know that lots of times the only solution for being sensitized to a chemical or other substance (like poison ivy) is to avoid the product entirely as oftentimes the symptoms get worse with less exposure.

Maybe you can use a different type of epoxy?

 

You're done for with those materials. Consider yourself lucky, that the allergies have given you a warning sign. Stick with it, and you're jeopardizing your long-term health - nervous system damage is the risk.

A friend of a friend here makes surfboards. He started having symptoms a few years back, and now works only with a full spacesuit, supplied-air respirator, the whole deal, never once touching or breathing the stuff. Sweaty, miserable work, but the only thing he knows how to do at this point.

 

Guy I worked with worked for a grouting company that used epoxy exclusively. Eventually the reactions got so bad his doctor told him he had to quit his job and find something else.

 

You should seriously consider a career change if you want to live a healthy and long life.

 

This applies to anyone who works in construction.

 

I am told the amines in epoxy is the cause of allergic reactions. I have avoided it all these years. Some react to it... Others seem to be able to put it on their cereal every morning and nada. Other than chelation therapy, I know of no way to get it out of your system. Drs say it is accumulated in your system and like was said above, the reactions are your warning.

 

If I get Polyaspartic on my arm it will redden the spot. Epoxy does not do that to
me. Polyaspartic is much worse it really irritates eye and nasal passages as in red eyes
and very drippy nose.

 

Have you tried barrier creams?

 

..sure it's not from one of your dates?..

 

*tugs collar*

 

I am about to try the creams as a last resort. If it happens again I'm done.. this last time it happened it broke out on my neck and the inside of my elbows.. and it was so itchy, I was going crazy that night. I wanted to scratch it sooo ooooo bad but if I do it just gets worse.. itches more and more.

I didnt want to make it worse on my neck but it got worse on its own.. still very itchy but barable. AS LONG AS I don't scratch it even a little..

I was supposed to coat 2 more jobs today but I backed out of them because I'm not yet healed from this past time and given the severity and the location of it, I didn't want to even chance it. I can hide it when it's on my arms, but my neck... no.

 

You'd be well advised to heed what Bob posted and don't underestimate how potentially dangerous an allergic reaction can become. I can't get near polyester resin, didn't even use it that much but did use epoxy earlier quite a bit (WEST system) and think that might have been a contributing factor.

The last time I got near the fumes my lungs filled with water and the lymph nodes under my arms swelled to the size of oranges. Every time I took a breath I felt like I was being stabbed in the chest. I shudder to think what would happen next time.

I think the suggestion that if you want to stay involved in the business to do other parts and sub out or supervise the epoxy part makes sense, just be really careful even then you don't breathe the fumes and don't get any on you.

BTW regarding using WEST epoxy it doesn't smell bad at all and seems pretty innocuous. We'd try to be careful, would wear long sleeves, jeans and gloves but still would get some on the skin which we'd take off with reducer. When one of the bosses finally went to a seminar on working with it he found out that when one uses reducer to 'wash' the epoxy off of skin all they are doing is thinning it down and allowing it to go into the body.

 

I'm sorry.
Your body is telling you to stay away from that stuff....

 

What about polishing, staining? Everything but the epoxies,etc.

 

That's way overboard in order to get work. File it in distant memory file. Breathing chemicals goes through kidneys? So damage has already occurred. I think I have just calculated your situation into my future considerations into that field of work. I have worked with epoxies for a few years, no reactions to specific materials, but I don't even wear gloves for anything, (hot, sweaty) and so for that reason epoxy/chemical toppings other than Portland based materials, as the Sharks say, " I'm out"

 

Madrina,

I work in the decorative concrete field. Instructor at woc for a class in concrete restoration was an engineer and never worked with epoxy, just consultant. 30 years of it. One day he broke out. Dr told him his body had absorbed it via his skin and could never be around it or else... Yes demand for epoxy and polyaspartic is higher now. Personally I use a company that yes the ingredients are still in it but it cures quick so exposure is minimal. Fast floor... Hybrid epoxy and polyaspartic. Also, not sure about chelation therapy but worth checking it out.

 

Thanks, I will check it out. Since I started this thread, my neck and arms got worse and better.. I haven't been around any chemicals at all and I caught myself scratching under my collar bones 2 days ago and it was more than a regular itch..and I thought Oh crap.. ran in front of a mirror and sure enough it looked like little sporadic rash bumps. My lymph node behind my left ear is swollen and my right ear lobe is swollen.. i even have a little rash on the side of my nose where I remember I touched my nose w my gloves on. This stuff is crazy. I'm going to post a few photos of this stuff. Hang tight.

 

I had an allergic reaction to a med several years ago. Pus filled sores over almost entire body. Dermatologist got me straight, but it took quite awhile. Takeaway? This is best handled by a good Dr. Lots of Dr's have nutritional degrees as well if you look hard... Just in case traditional medicine isn't your thing.

 

Maybe you could switch to hardwood floors, different chemicals and machines but very similar process.

 

I would say No, the intricacies of hardwood, knowledge and experience touching hardwood floor, not something you just hit the ground running.

 

Moon suit positive pressurized with outside air. Just don't touch the outside of the suit once you take it off.

 

Here's a few of the less serious break outs

 

Yep, your skin is really trying to tell you something.

 

That's a heck of a situation....

 

Yikes!

 

Pretty gross huh. And just think, those are the least gross pics.

 

Any place that chafes, right?

 

No not any place that chafes, For some reason the inner forearms and neck seem to be the place of breakout across the U.S..

 

That's weird.:blink:

 

Some information on epoxy overexposure:
www.westsystem.com/ss/health-effects-from-overexposure-to-epoxy/