I’ve been on a model building binge for the last several months in my 11x12 spare bedroom “hobby room”. Most of my adhesives used have been the liquid Testors, but I have used ACC - specifically “Super Glue” on a few occasions.
Coincidently, or not, the day or two after heavy use of Super Glue I seem to have gotten congested and “sneezy”. Normally I would attribute it to the various “stuff” we have in the air down here, as allergies and congestion and sneezing fits are pretty common. But, the coincidence between the use of the glue and my recent spells is just too strong.
The funny thing is, while using it I don’t have a problem, the symptons appear at night and the next day. My wife first suggested the glue as the problem, and I “pooh poohed” it, but now I’m wondering if she could be right (yikes!)!
My question is, do any of you have any similar experiences?
It is possible that breathing excessive fumes over a long period may cause this. I always try to keep the area well ventilated when using various products like this. maybe coincidence or a combination of factors. Try venting or using a small fan next time and see what happens.
I notice that ACC or super glue irritates my eyes and nose and I think most people have noticed that. But I have also read that while the fumes are not regarded as toxic, some people find that repeated exposure results in more severe symptoms almost like flu and you sound like you might be among them.
A small percentage of the population can become sensitized to cyanoacrylates/fumes after repeated exposure (like cat hair or anything else). These sensitized people can develop flu-like symptoms but removing them from the exposure will eliminate the symptoms. Cyanoacrylates or their fumes are not carcinogenic and cyanoacrylates are not made from cyanide.
I’ve been using various brands of super glues for many years. Aside from minor sinus irritation I can’t report any health problems from it. I’ve used it indoors and out. I do get sinus congestion during the spring and summer but I’ve always had that since moving to this state 41 years ago so I’m fairly sure the super glue didn’t cause it since I only started using it some 20 odd years ago and it’s no worse than it was 30 odd years ago.
One thing that’s really bad is getting CA fumes in your eyes if you wear contacts. So far I’ve bene lucky - never glued my fingers together. I have a feeling that is somethign that will change as I start to make my resistor wheelsets, tweezers or no, with those tiny surface mount resistors I know I am going to get CA on my fingers.
I also get a slight irritation from super glue, but it never seems to last. My big problem is gluing my fingers together. Last week I was trying to use some and it would not come out of the bottle, so smart me just squeezed a little harder. Half an hour later I finally got my middle finger free from my ring finger and my thumb from my index finger! Lighter fluid and gently working did the trick.
Sounds like the possibility is there for me to have a problem with ACC. Fortunately, I’m able to use the Testors in its place for the projects I have remaining.
Ummmm, between that and the “stuff” in our air, maybe the real cure for the sneezing and congestion is for us to just get some rain and for the south winds to die down.
Wear Safety Goggles or other protective eyewear! Had to visit the “Emerge” several years ago as a drop that flicked off the end of the applicator, lobbed over the frame of my glasses and into the eye. I was lucky as all it did was burn the surface, which healed in a week. Had to wear an eye patch. Ahrgggg!
Over time, my father developed allergic syptoms related to using it. He stopped using CA and opted for quick setting epoxy instead.
I actually prefer epoxy and use CA very rarely (most ofted, to glue screws to a screwdriver so I can install the screw in the deep recesses of a locomotive). The brittle nature of CA is what I dislike about it (and gluing my fingers).
The above mention of goggles got me thinking that some of you may not have read the MSDS on CA glue. If you ever get CA in your eye, don’t panic. Apply a warm moist cloth and wait - the glue will let go within an hour or so. If you try to force your eyelid free you will likely cause serious harm. This passive approach will also work if you glue other parts of your anatomy, too. Once (a long time ago) I was using CA to bond a couple of long narrow parts and I couldn’t hold all of the lengeth in allignment with just two hands, so (being a resourceful kind of guy) I used my teeth to hold the middle. After about 15 minutes, the glue let go of my teeth.[:D]
I used to work for a CA manufacturer. Some people do have allergies to CA. The fumes can irritate too. Do work in a well ventilated room if you use a lot of it.