Allergic Reaction to Super Glue?

JohnReid · 2 May 2005, 05:54 AM

I am trying to track down the source of a allergic reaction that I have been experiencing over the last few weeks.I have always had a slight reaction to some woods but recently it has suddenly been worse than usual and it seems that extended periods of working with super glue may be the culprit.I have a ventilator fan to the outdoors but I must admit that I dont always turn it on.

Please let me know if you have experienced similiar problems.Thanks.Cheers! John.

PeterL · 2 May 2005, 06:03 AM

You don't say what the reaction is John. I don't like working with cyano at all, not even outdoors. My eyes sting and I get a headache you can photograph. Nasty stuff.

Paul914 · 2 May 2005, 06:10 AM

John,

Having worked in chemical laboratories over the years, I have seen people gradually develop allergies to specific chemicals. The technical term is "sensitization". The symptoms gradually increase with each repeated exposure. At some point, the affected person should avoid all further contact. This is especially important if the reaction is due to breathing in the vapors as frequent irritation can lead to tissue scarring - and in the lungs it is irreversible and progressive (i.e., emphysema). If you think the vapors are a problem, always use your ventillation fan. To avoid forgeting to turn it on, maybe you can wire the switch in series with your work light? If the reaction you are getting is a skin problem, try wearing surgical gloves or a barrier cream.

You should go to the manufacturers website - some of them have their MSDS's (material safety data sheets) posted online. If not, call them up and ask for their product safety manager and request that they send you a copy of the MSDS. They are required to provide it upon request by law (U.S. Dept of Labor). Read it, it should contain a lot of useful info. Some may be sketchy. In that case, knowing the chemical components, other supplier's MSDS's can be located for more detailed info. If you have trouble getting this info, I could help you. Good luck.

JohnReid · 2 May 2005, 06:10 AM

You are right Dr. Peter.

It is mainly a sinus problem with stuffed nose and sore eyes.Cheers! John.

Michael · 2 May 2005, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterL

You don't say what the reaction is John. I don't like working with cyano at all, not even outdoors. My eyes sting and I get a headache you can photograph. Nasty stuff.

I agree - I had to use some yesterday to assemble a Warhammer model for my younger son's friend. It wouldn't hold, and therefore got all over my hands as I tried to hold it in place long enough to set. On the other hand it works fine on my car mirror and Sean's old glasses.

Scimitar · 2 May 2005, 07:31 AM

My daughter worked in a factory where she was using super glues continually (she was making catethers). Even with a good ventilation, she was obliged to have medical examens each six months, because some people are developing sensitization, as Paul said.

tracysw100 · 2 May 2005, 09:49 AM

I have an acqaintance that was very allergic to superglue, caused him alot of medical distress. Also as alluded to in earlier posts people can become sensitised to the chemical and become allergic even if they weren't to begin with.

Tracy

JohnReid · 5 May 2005, 04:53 AM

Thanks guys! I have tried to lay off glueing anything for a few days but I have continued to do some wood sanding,to see which of the 2 possibilites it could be.I will be much more careful in the future about ventilation,especially in the wintertime when I am a little reluctant about ventilating all that nice warm air outside.(false economy and stupidity I guess

)Cheers! John.