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RE: Contact Cement

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-10-03 00:28

A case in point - me - I can no longer smell things well at all. We all have done things in the past that we were unaware would have lasting effects. One should know if they are allergic or have irritation after the second exposure - often it takes a first exposure to sensititze those susceptible and a second exposure brings on the allergic reaction. Some may know after the first exposure that they are sensitive to the agent. If you show allergic reactions stay away from it and find a substitute.

Low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are more sinister because they can cause cumulative damage without a severe allergic reaction after exposure. My work environment has changed dramatically over my career and now certain chemicals are known to be carcinogens that I routinely used on the lab bench top. Other chemicals and VOCs now have permissable air concentration levels of safety that require that you use them in a negative pressure fume hood.

Granted, the quantities used in organic chemical synthesis are usually far greater than found in a tube or bottle of contact cement but the air concentrations in unventilated spaces can be above what are now classified as permissible levels. Hopefully the next generation of chemists, and repair persons, will have a better chance avoiding cumulative organ damage due to chemical and VOC exposures due to the new understanding of permissable air concentrations. If it says use in a ventillated space on the label -comply!
The Doctor

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