[Katherine Swift]

This question comes through email by Rachelle:

Hello, my question is whats the difference between envirotex pour on high gloss finish and envirotex easycast clear casting epoxy? Before i used easy cast to do jewelry made out of resin molds and never seemed to have a problem with inhalation or contact with resin. now that im using pour on it seems to be way stronger and i have more of a chemical reaction to the product. i actually burned my face, its swollen and dried out from over exposure to these strong fumes how can i keep my room more ventilated. i stress how important it is to have a good setup, flat surface, protected work area, good lighting and now constant air flow. what can i do to prevent this from reoccurring, how can i get my reaction to reduce.
Ps i really love your products on ResinObession.com and want to continue to make jewelry the proper way if you could give me advice on tips and techniques. thank you so much.

[Katherine Swift]

Rachelle,

Before I answer this, first let me say that I am not a physician.

That being said, if this were happening to me, I would be highly concerned that I was having a reaction to the resin.  From what I know about epoxy resin allergic responses, they accumulate over time and some people have a different threshold for the product than others.  Personally, as a minimum, I always wear nitrile gloves when working with resin and make sure there is air circulating while working with resin (either a fan or fresh air through a window) in order to minimize contact with the resin.  If I do get the resin on me, I wash with a good detergent and warm water.  Do not use acetone or alcohol as this will only make it penetrate the skin deeper.

I don’t have any idea why the envirotex lite would all of a sudden be giving you a problem when the easy cast didn’t. 

As for what to do next, if it were me, I would see a medical professional and discontinuing resin use until things have resolved. When you do resume resin use, you may want to use a NIOSH respirator in addition to gloves and additional ventilation.  You may even have to consider a hood like what you use in a chemistry lab to make sure the fumes are immediately evacuated from your area.

[Rhonda]

 Reactions can be dangerous.  If the skin is reacting like this, think what could be happening to the lungs if youre not using a respirator. The lungs can be damaged, or cause pneumonia.  Death is not unknown from reactions, due to swelling of the throat and lung tissues.  I stay away from these types of resins because I am sensitive to them and I am not confidant of my set-up.

[Author]

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