Are Epoxy Fumes Dangerous?
Are Epoxy Fumes Dangerous?
Epoxy is a chemical compound that many people have used to repair small household objects, but very few people know much about from a chemistry standpoint. So before you cover your entire floor with an epoxy coating, you might be wondering if epoxy (and more importantly, the not-so-lovely fumes it produces) are dangerous.
For the typical home renovator, the short answer is - no, epoxy fumes are not dangerous. If the fumes are breathed in directly for a period of time (such as during the application of an epoxy floor coating), they can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. There are no known long term effects of short term exposure to epoxy fumes, however, and even the inconvenience of an itchy or inflamed nose and throat can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.
- Always wear protective safety gear when handling epoxy.
This includes a mask or respirator to limit the amount of fumes that you actually breathe, as well as gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing for your skin. If epoxy does come into contact with your skin before it has cured, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
- Ventilate the area. When applying an epoxy coating to a
garage floor, this is as simple as keeping the garage door fully open while you are working. Open any other doors or windows in the garage, and turn on a shop fan to circulate air if possible. Be sure to keep doors leading into the house or other attached areas closed during the application process. If adequate ventilation is impossible due to the design or location of your space, consider using a mechanical ventilation system like a portable fume extractor.
- Take regular breaks. Especially if you are working on a large project, plan to take a break and remove yourself from the area for at least 15 minutes after every hour of work. When you are not actively working on an application, leave the area. Do not linger to admire your work until after the epoxy has cured! If you begin to feel lightheaded or nauseous at any time while working, leave the area immediately and seek medical help.
Once your new epoxy floor coating is fully cured, it is completely safe and non-toxic. No more fumes will be produced, so once the original fumes have dissipated, the epoxy smell will disappear as well. If you ever need to sand down your floor (for instance, to reapply a fresh top coat after years of wear have dulled its shine), wear the same protective gear that you did when applying the epoxy coating. Epoxy dust can cause the same irritations as epoxy fumes, but is equally harmless if you are properly equipped.
Epoxy fumes are no more dangerous than the fumes produced by interior house paint. By taking basic precautions, you can ensure that the process of applying an epoxy coating is just as safe and rewarding as the finished product!
Still have questions or concerns?
Our experts are here to help with all your epoxy coating needs!
You might also like
