Plastic casting resin poisoning is a result of the intentional or accidental consumption of or exposure to epoxy-based resin products. it is considered actual poison exposure. This can occur if you breathe in fumes or swallow resin or they can be skin irritations caused by touching the resin. Like other complex chemical compounds, this can cause severe effects on your health.
To understand the impact of plastic casting resin poisoning, we need to ask the question ‘how bad are resin fumes?’ it’s good to know the initial signs and symptoms. That way, one can manage the severe effects and take the necessary preventative precautions. Unfortunately, most people don’t recognize resin poisoning symptoms before they take effect.
More Resources: Difference between UV Resin and Epoxy Resin
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Epoxy Resin?
There are various symptoms that indicate plastic-casting resin poisoning has occurred.
These symptoms can occur in various parts of the body and can range from severe to mild. Plastic casting resin poisoning symptoms will vary from one person to another, depending on their individual overall health and the amount of exposure.
Common Side Effects Associated With Resin Poisoning
Allergies
Allergic dermatitis or skin inflammation is one of the most common severe effects of exposure to epoxy. This condition occurs when the skin overacts because of a certain allergen. It’s also worth mentioning that this condition can occur after one or several exposures.
More notably, the chances of developing this condition depend on your immune system. Also, it will depend on your frequency and degree of exposure to resin.
The allergic reactions can either cause respiratory problems or irritated skin. But skin irritation is the most common issue. Some symptoms of skin irritation are; localized rash, itching, and swelling.
This condition is a bit tricky to diagnose, especially since they’re many kinds of epoxy.
However, in some instances, medication can treat the symptoms. If you’re experiencing an allergy because of exposure to resin, avoid epoxy resin products for several days. And if the allergic reaction persists, consult a healthcare professional or local poison control center.
Respiratory Irritation
Mixing resin and hardener can trigger a reaction that remains active until epoxy cures. During this reaction, the mixture produces adhesive vapors. Inhaling these fumes can lead to various respiratory issues like irritation and asthma.
You can also experience these problems by sanding partially cured epoxy. This is because sanding produces reactive dust particles. When these particles are trapped in your respiratory system, they cause allergies & irritation.
Cancer
Some resins can cause skin cancer. This is because some formulas may contain carcinogenic ingredients like epichlorohydrin. So, make sure you choose formulas that are 100% safe and free from harmful compounds.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are not that common when you’re handling a hardener. But, if it remains on the skin for too long, the compound can cause severe irritation and moderately burned skin. This starts with slight pain and irritation and over time becomes severe pain. The burned skin can slightly scar or become discolored.
Nonetheless, these factors will depend on the hardener concentration and the affected area. However, always make sure you get epoxy resin off your skin right away.
How Dangerous are Epoxy Resins? Should You Choose to Work With it?
As you can see, there are many health issues that both liquid resin and cured epoxy can cause. This is a clear indication that it’s not the healthiest option available. So, should you work with it?
Fortunately, not all epoxies in the market contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) or will cause a trip to the emergency room. Instead, some are made up of natural ingredients and are free from toxic substances like VOCs. Besides, they don’t produce unpleasant smells, thus creating a healthier environment.
By observing the right safety precautions, you can safely use epoxy. For instance, you should always have the proper PPE when undertaking your project. Also, work in a room with adequate ventilation and your projects will always go as planned.
What Happens if I Inhale Too Much Resin Fumes?
In its uncured state, liquid resins evaporate to form respirable fumes. The evaporation process increases with high temperatures and poor ventilation. Sanding partially cured epoxy can also produce respirable particles containing hazardous components.
Inhaling the produced fumes, swallowing plastic-casting resin dust, or swallowing plastic resin hardeners can affect the throat, lungs, and nose. The fumes become trapped in the respiratory lining, causing serious health issues. The effects of inhaling epoxy involve inflammation & irritation of the lungs, nose, and throat.
High amounts and repetitive exposure to those fumes can cause asthma and sensitization.
Sensitization refers to experiencing allergic reactions because of exposure to resin. This condition can happen at any stage, regardless of the duration or extent of exposure. For instance, you can get an allergic reaction after breathing epoxy fumes for the first time.
However, breathing more significant amounts of fumes increase your chances of getting this condition.
Alternatively. you can remove the fumes by installing a fume extractor. this system traps all of the harmful vapors, preventing the build-up of fumes.
What Can Resin Do to Your Lungs?
Breathing epoxy vapors can cause some people to develop lung diseases like asthma. Asthma is a permanent health condition. So, once you get asthma, even the slightest exposure to resin will trigger an attack. Also, an asthma attack may occur at night or after work.
Some symptoms of asthma include;
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
Can Resin Fumes Make You Sick?
Inhaling epoxy fumes doesn’t cause volatile problems. In most cases, the curing agents have a pungent smell that causes temporary irritation. However, breathing these fumes doesn’t usually result in poisoning. That’s not always the case though!
For this reason, always take the necessary safety precautions when handling epoxy. Also, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions before you use any resin. Observing these conditions will enable you to work safely with resin for a long time.
Tips to Avoid Getting Poisoned
1. Wear a Mask
The face and eyes are the most vulnerable areas for epoxy fumes. Therefore, you must protect these body parts from exposure. The most effective way to achieve that is by wearing a respirator mask when handling epoxy.
2. Get Rid of Epoxy Fumes
Another way of protecting yourself from resin fumes is working in a ventilated area. For instance, you can open any windows and doors or even work outdoors. If that’s not possible, increase ventilation and air circulation by putting a few fans in the room.
3. Use Non-Toxic Resins
Always choose epoxy resin that is non-flammable, non-toxic, and non-harmful. That way, when the resin and hardeners react together, they’ll not leave respirable fumes or VOCs.
Final Word
In general, plastic-casting resin poisoning can affect various systems of the body. For instance, it can affect your lungs, nose, esophagus, stomach, throat, mouth, skin, and eyes. The effect will depend on the extent of damage and how fast you receive treatment.
The best treatment is poison prevention.
Most cases of resin poisoning aren’t fatal though. Nonetheless, if you have actual poison exposure you should contact your local poison control center or emergency room to get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. If a health care provider tells you to, provide details of the products you are working with to help them diagnose your condition. Local poison control centers will also require you to provide the product that caused the poisoning.
Plastic casting resin poisoning is dangerous and can become a medical emergency.
I worked with resin pours last week 9hours. The Labels on the Resins said “Non Toxic. I did not wear a Mask. I wore plastic Glove. This Morning when I woke up I became extremely Dizzy upon sitting up. This went away but was very disturbing. Could that be a reaction from the Resin. I haven’t seen Dizziness as a symptom of Resin Poisening.?
sounds like you need to eat more iron mate
just one question. breathing resin ..can it cause hair lost?
Hi Lynn, I don’t think epoxy would be that much harmful. However, breathing resin can have other acute symptoms hence should avoid the fume for sure.
Thanks
My throat and my lungs are irritated. I have a bit of asthma, tightness. I love doing my resin. I have a mask and four little extractors. I lost my goggles. Does it affect your eyes?
I thank you Michelle for your valuable comment on my post.
Yes, if you’re exposed to epoxy resin frequently for a long time without goggles, it might also irritate your eyes.
Hello!is it necessary to wear a mask while working out with small projects like making earrings out of small amount of resin epoxy?
Hi Mireille,
Even though it’s a small project, you’ll still be exposed to epoxy fume to a certain degree. So it’s always a good practice to have essential safety equipment put on because every little exposure counts. And there’ll certainly be a time when you’ve already gone through a long exposure adding all your projects into a time frame.
– Thanks
I have been having a serious congested blocked ear for 1 week plus now after having been exposed to resin fumes for a good 6-8 hrs each time for 5 times over half a year. I am on antibiotics and anti histamines, any idea if these will help? Thanks
Hi Cuppy,
To your problem, I’d like to ask, do you take necessary precautions when working with epoxy resin? These might include – hand gloves, fume extractors, respirator masks, etc.
However, on the treatment side, I can’t really get to a point since your condition should be closely observed by a Medicine doctor…
– Thanks
Can you get an itchy rash from inhaling resin? I haven’t let epoxy resin touch me but I was itchy the next day. I’m trying to figure out if it was an allergic reaction or me just having a new fibromyalgia symptom….
Hi Amy, Thanks for your comment!
Not sure, if you have pre-existing allergic problems but frequent exposure to toxic resin compounds can also be the reason so far what I know. So it’s always good to use a fume extractor. Why let crafting be stopped when there are simple solutions?!?!
– Thanks
LOVE YA
Hi –
I used a Rain-X windshield crack repair kit to fix three cracks.
I had gloves but no mask.
I did it outdoors in a parking lot,
but it was a windy day. It has been two weeks now and I am having a hard time breathing, chest is tight, nose and throat are flared. My exposure was approximately 45 mins.
total, all outdoors. However,
I did not have a mask on and did breathe some fumes as I waited for it to cure. Should I be concerned with a single 45 mins. exposure outdoors? Thank you
Hi Henry, Thanks for your comment!
I believe health impacts due to this exposure will depend on some pre-existing health conditions. For some people, only a single 45 mins of exposure might not show up any major symptoms or anything hard to notice. But I guess it’s a little more hazardous to your respiratory system so you’re experiencing some problems.
I would suggest not going into action next time without a “mask & fume extractor”. And for the current situation, if you’re curing slowly, that’s good! Otherwise, talk to your doctor immediately and that should solve the problem. Please feel free to ask…
– Thanks
Hi just used some resin for about 30 minutes and now I’m light headed
How can you get a small amount off your hands
Should I be worried
Hi Jessica, Thanks for your comment!
You don’t have to worry now since it’s already dried. And dried epoxy is less harmful than it was while it cured on your skin. So, it’s always advised to wear resin working gloves. Also, I hope you can find some tips here about how you can get it off your hands.
– Thanks
What is the treatment if you have breathing problems from sanding uncured epoxy? Is there anyway to cleanse your lungs? What about medicine?
Thanks
Hi McNallen, Thanks for your comment!
I am really not able to give you good medicine late alone not being in touch in the case I need to observe your health condition. I highly recommend checking up with your medical advisor.
I believe that will be a good practice.
– Thanks
I only work for 2 or 3 hours maybe once or twice a week , would resin still be harmful?
Hi Adriana, Thanks for your comment!
Yes, I believe if you’re using toxic resin without wearing safety equipment (even if that’s 2 or 3 hours once/twice a week), you’ll also be affected to a certain level that may be not so acute.
Once or twice a week pretty much means being an occasional hobby crafter. So why bother your hobby when there’s safety equipment available?
Love…YA
– RA Admin
When I work with it my kid tries to come and see . I don’t allow her much . What should be the safety distance for other persons when I work with resin.?
Hi Aathira, Glad to see your comment!
The safest distance for your kid depends on a few things. If you’re working in a closed room, there’s almost no safest distance because the fume will spread all over the room. But in an open place like the backyard, you may allow her to stand 3-5 feet away to the sideward wind direction so the fume is blown away by the wind sideward.
By the way, It hurts me to listen she’s eager but can’t see what Mom is doing…!!! Here’s an easy fix for you, use non-toxic epoxy resins for all your future projects AND buy her a respiratory mask. Also, if you have the budget, it’s better to use a fume extractor. I believe she’ll be able to get more closer to her LOVELY and CONCERNED MOM.
Love YA…
– RA Author
Is resin toxic while it’s curing? How many days or hours is resin toxic till it’s completely dry?!?
Hello Cristi,
I’m so happy to see your comment on my post. And to answer your query, YES, it’s still toxic while the resin cures. It’ll be toxic until it dries completely within more or less 24 hours based on the weather parameters such as temperature, moisture level, etc. You can find more information here on this article on my blog.
Does settling resin mixed with hardener to cure under a heat lamp speed the process at all?
Hi Gurious, Thanks for your comment!
I would like to remind that heat lamps/UV lights are used to cure epoxy resins that are UV curing type. (It should be specified by the manufacturer somehow about what wavelengths are required, and what not)
Consequently, Epoxy+hardener will cure without any aids and that’s the standard practice to get a high-gloss, non-yellowing finish.
However, feel free to make a small coaster to try out if your lamp supports the type of resin you have thus getting an idea of what-and-how behind crafting. I would take crafting as fun, not serious…try out as you love to!!!
Love…YA
– RA Admin