[Paddlewise] epoxy

I want to second Eric Sprenne's excellent advice about working with epoxy, 
and to reinforce a couple of things:

One or two skin exposures to epoxy is unlikely to seriously affect anyone. 
Though a poison-ivy-like rash is *possible* on first exposure, it's almost 
rare. But - repeated exposure is likely to result in allergy sooner or later. 
And allergy isn't necessarily limited to skin reactions. A serious 
athsma-like (respiratory) allergy can also develop, and it can last long 
after the last exposure to epoxy. At worst, it can keep you from working on 
boats for the rest of your life.

Some say that breathing epoxy fumes isn't particularly harmful, but most 
epoxy manufacturers say one should wear a vapor-barrier respirator when 
working with uncured epoxy. I try to remember to do that.

It should be noted that breathing the dust from cured epoxy while sanding is 
even worse than breathing the fumes. Be careful with that! A HEPA filter mask 
is better for the dust than a vapor-barrier mask - though even a good 
surgical mask can provide significant protection - from the dust, not from 
the vapor.

Last - don't forget vinegar for epoxy cleanup, of your hands, your tools, and 
your work space. To me, it seems more versatile than waterless hand cleaner. 
Undiluted dish soap works reasonably well too. Anything but acetone.

Bill Hansen
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