I cannot start a new thread, so I hope this is ok to dump in here. Some may find it useful. (or maybe not?)
Something I havent seen mentioned before, and I think its quite important. The epoxy resins, and hardners used in the final build of the pepakura process, can detrimentally effect pregnant females. The chemicals can pass into breastmilk, and even the foetus in humans. I do not recommend using resins and hardeners near anyone who is currently expecting. The reason I mention this is in a few months I will become a father (for the third time), and while the prospect of a gentically modified super mutant child, with lazer vision and tentacles is somewhat appealing, I'm sure the mrs would have non of it.
Fiberglass resin is a much safer substance to use these days, than it used to be. Older resins contained high levels of epichlorohydrin, a contaminant with known links to certain human cancers. Some modern resins still contain this chemical but at much reduced amount. It is no longer a cancer hazard to humans or test animals.
Hardeners (which contain DDS diaminodiphenyl sulfone) are carcinogenic to lab animals, and some hardners based on glycidyl ethers can cause genetic mutations in lab animals. However, there is no data to suggest glycidyl ethers have the same effect on humans, (as we have a different physiology) but is it worth not using protective gloves? I dont think so.
There are some solvents and diluents in expoy resins (2-ethoxyethanol and 2-methoxyethanol) which cause reduced sperm count in human males, and thus lowers the ability to succesfully procreate. It has been evidenced to damage the testes of animals, and produce genetically damaged offspring (high risk of birth defects). I do not recommend this as a sneaky method of birth control. It would be like using a pistol to cure a headache.
So how exactly do epoxy products effect humans? (AKA Derp!)
Epoxy resin can effect your health when they come into contact with the skin. They also effect the lungs and respiratory tract when they evaporate into particulate matter in the very air you are breathing.
How do you recognise the symptoms of overexposure? (AKA Thud!)
Headaches from the fumes, Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Extra precautions must be taken if the user is asthmatic, or has a pre existing respiratory illness (tightness of the chest, shortness of breath or wheezing and coughing). Other effects may include headaches, dizziness, Nausea, slurring of speech, thickened tongue, and even a loss of consciousness. There is also the possibility of a highly confusional state, similar to carbon dioxide poisoning or watching Lithuanian soap operas.
Epoxy resins can also cause skin irritations. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, flaking, and itching on the hands, face, or any exposed surface area of skin.
Extra precations should be takem to protect the eyes from accidental splashes. The heat generated by the curing process can literally burn away the retina. The schlera is also thin enough to allow rapid absorption of the chemicals into the eye. Remember it will be a short 3-4 inch journey to the brain via the optic nerves. If eye protection is not used, or is not practical (you better have a damn good excuse), then I recommend a bottle of eyewash (with recepticle) nearby. Place over the affected eye and continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. It should go without saying, that you should then seek medical attention ASAP.
How does Fiberglass effect humans? (AKA FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!)
In short, it is an irritant. They are basically "spun glass" and can cut you in a fashion similar to a paper cut. The wounds can become irritated (especially the eyes and repiratory tract) if the glass fiber is not flushed out. The fibers can become airborne, and float around for quite a long time, carried by air currents. They can travel a considerable distance, and can be "reactivated" by any new influx of air pressure.
Is fiberglass itself cancerous? (AKA Colonel Mustard, in the Library)
There is no conclusive data to support this position, despite oft repeated "common knowlege". If fiberglass is surgically implanted into lab animals, it can produce certain types of cancer, but this has not been evidenced (or replicated) in humans. Glass fibers can however be drawn deep into the lungs if left unprotected, and it is likely that respiratory illness may develop after repeated long term exposure (similar to asbestosis). While not directly related to asbestos fibers, as a precautionary measure, one should probably expect similar disease related effects such as :
Pleural thickening.
Psuedomesothelioma.
Lung cancers (probability is low but more data is needed).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Alveolitis.
How do I avoid these effects and symptoms? (AKA Punch it, Bishop!)
I would recommend Sean Bradleys useful tutorial "The Complete Respirator And Safety Guide"
http://405th.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8604
The only additional advice I could resonably give, is to make sure you wear a repirator (with usable filters) that is rated for organic compunds (A1) or (A2) and try to make sure the capacity level is adequate for the enviroment. Low capacity for exterior use, and High capacity for internal usage. I would also recommend full eye protection, and latex or rubber gloves, while handling these chemicals and materials.
