Exposure to Epoxy with MSDS Health 3

[bagman27]

I recently worked with an epoxy that I had thought was an MSDS Health rating 2, which means:

"Intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical attention is given."

The warnings on the package suggest to avoid eye/skin contact, avoid breathing vapors and to work in "adequate ventilation" (note that no one ever explains what this means).  So I used gloves, goggles, and a full chemist's white gown, and worked with it in a large boat hanger with ~60 ft ceilings and with the doors open to the outside.  Note that I did not use a fan or respirator.  I worked with the stuff for hours in close proximity (had a small paint brush and was mixing it and brushing it on surfaces).  The days I worked with it were also hot, close to or above 100 F.  

I later went back to the MSDS of the epoxy and noticed that it was in fact composed of 2 MSDS sheets, one for the epoxy resin and the other for the epoxy hardener.  I had missed the 2nd sheet for the hardener (since it was listed after the resin), which stated it is MSDS Health Hazard 3:

"Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury even though prompt medical attention was given."

Now if I had read this initially, I probably would have used a respirator.  While I did get a small amount of mixed epoxy on my hand, I washed it off right away and am not so worried about it.  What I am worried about is that I breathed the vapors while working with it, since I worked with it for hours.    

The hazardous chemicals in the hardener are N-Aminoethylpiperazine and Nonylphenol, while the resin is Bisphenol A diglycityl ether.  Toxicological info on the hardener did not contain inhalation information, though the lethal dose in rabbits via skin contact was 880 uL/kg.  

Obviously I cannot go back and "unbreath" this stuff, but is there some way I can get tested to see if I have been over exposed?  Can one do a "chemical detox"?   What would you do?

[bagman27]

I was exposed in early July.  I did have a little light headedness on at least one occasion after working with it, but considering I was working for hours in 100 F heat it is difficult to say whether it was chemical related or heat related.  Nonylphenol is an endocrine disruptor.  I looked up Aminoethylpiperazine, and wiki says it can cause pulmonary edema on inhalation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aminoethylpiperazine

I have had some episodes recently where I will wake up at night feeling like there is a thin layer fluid in my lungs and that I'm having trouble with my breathing reflex - but it is very difficult to cough any fluid up.  ie it is not like a typical cough, where you cough up something, more that I feel like I'm not getting air properly but have nothing to cough up.  Since it happens rather randomly, it is hard to know whether this is sleep apnea, or a mild cold/flu, or allergies, or something else.  I don't really know what the symptoms of pulmonary edema are like.  I've had allergies tests before and have never been found to be allergic to anything.  I am 32, and had a checkup in May where I was found to be healthy.  I am not overweight - I am in my correct weight range.  I have also felt slightly congested recently during the hours I am awake - again hard to know the cause.  I live in a major city that has poor air quality during the summer.  

Thanks for your response.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

The health effects and MSDS warnings that you describe in your posting are predominantly related to the acute or short-term risks of exposure.

When there is concern or questions regarding exposure to multiple chemicals simultaneously, it is difficult for toxicologists, industrial hygienists, or others to provide explicit advice regarding the additive or synergistic toxicity that may be present.

How recent was your potential exposure? Did you have any symptoms (light-headedness, headache, etc or others listed on the MSDS) while you were working with the epoxy? Do you have any symptoms now that you attribute to the potential exposure?

I am not aware of evidence-based methods to perform a "chemical detox" given the materials that you listed in your posting.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.