SKIN CONTACT Amine based curing agents can vary in the degree of hazard they present upon contact with the skin. The effects can range from severe burns to skin irritation. Individual product MSDS should be consulted for further details.
Most amine based curing agents can cause sensitisation or allergic skin reactions.
EYE CONTACT Like exposure to the skin, the degree of hazard to the eyes varies with the different products. Direct eye contact may cause effects ranging from pain, severe irritation, corneal injury, permanent impairment of vision, or even blindness to severe irritation and moderate corneal injury.
It should also be noted that eye contact with vapours, mists, or aerosols, although somewhat less hazardous than direct eye contact with the liquid, can cause significant eye irritation, including pain and tearing. As described above, there is potential for eye discomfort, irritation, or even injury; therefore all eye contact with either the liquid or solid products (including vapours, mists, aerosols, or dusts) should be strictly avoided through the use of appropriate eye protection. This can include tightly fitting safety spectacles, goggles or a full-face shield.
INHALATION The negative health effects caused by inhalation of the vapours, mists, aerosols, and/or dusts generated by the various curing agents differ widely. They may cause severe irritation to the upper respiratory tract and lungs, respiratory sensitisation in susceptible individuals, and severe asthma.
Inhalation of curing agent vapours, mists, aerosols, and/or dusts should be avoided through the use of adequate ventilation and appropriate respiratory protective devices. The type varies according to the concentration of fumes and can range from devices with independent air supplies to High-Efficiency Particulate pre-filters used in combination with cartridges approved for either organic vapour or amines.
INGESTION Amine based curing agents have low-to-moderate single-dose oral toxicity; however, ingestion of any of the products can cause burns of the mouth, oesophagus, and possibly, the stomach. Liver and kidney damage is also possible.
MUTAGENICITY AND CARCIOGENICITY The majority of amine based curing agents have shown through laboratory animal testing not to be mutagenic. However, some of the tests have shown toxic effects to foetuses. Studies have shown that none of the principal ingredients or components contained in the various amine based curing agents showed evidence of carcinogenicity in long-term animal studies.