Is Epoxy Resin Safe?

Is Epoxy Resin Safe?

Is epoxy resin safe? There is a great deal of misinformation and even fallacies about epoxy resins. Rumors of potential hazards of epoxy resin proliferate on the Internet. Lots of messages are written, without reliable sources, without sound scientific arguments, mere users presenting themselves as specialists…Epoxy resin is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including as a coating for floors and countertops, in adhesives, and in the manufacture of composite materials such as fiberglass. When it comes to safety, it’s important to note that epoxy resin can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Skin contact with epoxy resin can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It can also cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with the skin and is not washed off immediately.

Ingestion of epoxy resin is extremely hazardous and can cause serious health problems, including damage to the digestive system and the nervous system.

From time to time, we may also receive questions from customers worried about possible dangers of handling epoxy resins. Are there any risks in using epoxy resin? What safety precautions should be taken when working with thermosetting resins?

In this text, we will address these legitimate questions and demystify misconceptions about epoxy.

CHILL EPOXY™ Resins are now such a popular medium on the market when it come to wooden or DIY projects. Ideal for creating absolutely gorgeous pieces such as river tables, coasters, jewelry, serving boards, paintings, geode resin art among others. There is a lot you should know before taking the plunge into the world of CHILL EPOXY™ resin though, such as how to work with our products safely and the risks of choosing not to protect yourself.

First of all, people often incorrectly equate epoxy with polyester resin. As opposed to epoxy, Polyester resins whose emanations are strongly odorous, is very toxic. Of course, as with any product, there are different qualities of epoxy resin. It is not so unusual to find non reactive content and VOC (volatile organic content) in many resins sold on the market. One of the reasons other brands use these is to low down the cost of the formulation and… make more profit. These raw materials are low-cost but, in some cases, will migrate and evaporate in the atmosphere on short, medium and long-term periods.

Not cool, not cool at all!

There are several types of epoxy resins that are considered to be safer than traditional epoxy resins. These include:

1. Zero VOC (volatile organic compound) epoxy resins: These types of resins emit fewer harmful fumes, making them safer to use in enclosed spaces. They are also less likely to cause headaches or other respiratory problems.
2. Bio-based epoxy resins: These resins are made from bio-based materials such as plant oils, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional epoxy resins.

Are CHILL EPOXY™ products safe?

CHILL EPOXY™ products are 100% solid, zero VOC and Bio-based epoxy and do not contain any solvent or non reactive raw materials…as simple as that. As a responsible manufacturer with 25 years of experience, POLYMERES TECHNOLOGIES is committed to develop and produce environmentally safe products.

We selecting carefully all our raw materials. We do not select raw materials based on low prices but for the quality of the CHILL EPOXY™ end-product and the safety of our customers.

POLYMÈRES TECHNOLOGIES is committed to protecting the environment and the health and safety of workers. Yet, there is no denying that epoxy resin is a chemical product which, like any chemical, requires minimal safety precautions. Most of them are nothing more than common sense standards of conduct that any individual working with chemical product should follow.

For 25 years, our team has built an undeniable specific expertise in thermosetting resins. During all these years, we have never had serious incident or injury among our employee or customers. However, epoxy is a skin sensitizer. It can frequently causing skin allergies such as dermatitis and eczema if in contact with the skin. Because sensitivity or tolerance may vary greatly from one person to another using gloves will avoid any contacts. As simple as that.

Here is a list of recommendations we suggest:

1. Safe Storage: store our product at ambient temperate in a dry area. Keep out of the reach of children (Just like you would do with other common household cleaning products).

2. Well-ventilated area: While our products have close to no odor avoid we recommend working in a well ventilated area.

3. Wear approved safety equipment: full-body covering arms and legs, chemical splash goggles and waterproof gloves. à

4. Read material safety data sheets carefully before use and follow the protection guidelines.

If you follow our recommendations when working with the CHILL EPOXY™ products, you will protect yourself and enjoy your amazing projects.

SAFETY ISN’T EXPENSIVE, IT’S PRICELESS…

For more information on our products or on resin safety, please contact us at support@polymerestechnologies.com