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the moth
Experienced Roboteer
Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 130
Location: Melbourne
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Obviously no-one is aware that polyurethane molding is toxic and dangerous !!!
I have substantial experience in polyurethane molding , having run the product development area for Henderson’s plastics (Melb) in the late 80's . Polyurethanes are made from two basic chemicals with a (very) small percentage of stabilizers added to control the reactions .
Polyol is basically inert and posed no recognized danger when I left the industry in '88
Isocyanides on the other hand are quite dangerous
, most known for causing respiratory failure similar to a massive asthma attack . The clue here is the name iso-CYANIDES , they come from the same family as CYANIDE . Some versions start to vapor at room temperature and others need to be slightly heated - but none are safe . In the case of Tdi - it vapors at room temp and if you can smell it - you are already 600 times over the safe fume level for a 8 hour day . Make no mistake this chemical is dangerous . Polyurethane related deaths come in two flavors – Painfully fast or agonizingly slow . E.g.: If you work for years surrounded by fumes that you can smell you will develop respiratory problems and may slowly die . If you are involved in a large “spill” and inhale strong fumes for 2 hours you may not make it to the weekend . Because of the nature of the symptoms – doctors often mis-diagnose the problem , believing its only asthma . Often data sheets are intentionally vague and many companies have avoided their responsibilities by blaming deaths on asthma or other respiratory problems .
Because of the danger : polyurethane molding should be only done in a approved and well vented area , and you should never breath the fumes . Polyurethanes are present in many things : 2pac paint , some floor coatings (caused 50 deaths in London underground fire ) ,some packaging systems , sealers etc .
DO NOT play with these chemicals
unless you know what you are doing – the ramifications may not present themselves for many years .
Sorry to be the “Bringer of Doom” on this subject , but I suffer respiratory problems for what I did in the late 80’s _________________ Some people pass cars - some people get passed by cars
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Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:59 pm |
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