18.1 INTRODUCTION

Completely cured epoxy adhesives are almost nontoxic, although caution must be exercised when machining, grinding, etc., joints bonded with epoxies due to the proliferation of airborne particles. Also, decomposition products may exhibit substantial vapor pressures and pose health and safety issues. However, it is the exposure to the uncured components that can be the most harmful and is the subject of this chapter.

Four primary factors must be considered in all adhesive bonding or sealing operations: toxicity, flammability, hazardous incompatibility, and equipment. The adhesive or sealant must be carefully considered because not only can it create health and safety issues within the factory but also it can provide issues within the community relative to release of volatiles and waste disposal.

The epoxy raw materials can be harmful and hazardous. These materials could be toxic, flammable, and irritating to skin. It is generally the duty of the formulator to make sure that these materials are worked within a safe environment. Once they are formulated, the end user also has responsibilities with regard to safe handling of epoxy adhesive products.

Some materials involved in the epoxy adhesive formulations are more dangerous than others, and some affect certain parts of the body whereas others do not. Amine curing agents, for example, are generally the most irritating to the skin and eyes. They may also be considered to be strong caustics, and they produce serious local injury on short exposure. If they are worked in a hot condition, their fumes pose additional...