Is Resin Toxic? - Resin Safety Tips for You

Introduction

If you're getting ready to start your first project, there's one question you need to explore: Is the resin toxic? This is a very important issue as the safety of our valued customers is our top priority. I am a resin art lover and have more than 8 years of work experience, I want to make sure that every resin lover can create art safely.

As resin manufacturers, we can unequivocally claim that resins are toxic, so it is imperative to know these facts before starting to work with them, ready to learn about resins and safety details to always keep in mind? Buckle up and let's explore the facts!

Let's take a look at two popular resin types: epoxy and polyester.

1. Epoxy: Good guy!
As far as safety goes, epoxy is usually a solid choice. We at ISTOYO provide you with the highest quality resins in the market, composed of the best raw materials, carried out using the best production techniques, minimizing the presence of potential toxins. This material is used in food-grade applications, sealing countertops, and even making dazzling jewelry. But wait, that doesn't mean you can accidentally mess it up. You still have to use it according to our instructions to avoid unnecessary harm.

2. Polyester resin: Not so innocent!
Now polyester resins, also known as fiberglass resins, are a different story. Brace yourselves - this smell is strong and will stimulate your senses. Protects skin from irritation and prepares skin for that familiar tingling sensation.

Here's the problem: Polyester resins contain a compound called styrene, which is known to cause cancer. There's no need to panic, though—the risks primarily involve prolonged and repeated exposure. Just don't get into the habit of showering with these things.

Is epoxy resin toxic after curing?

We can tell you responsibly that once the resin has reached the appropriate curing time and is fully cured, it is completely non-toxic, because the chemical reaction has already occurred, and it can be used safely and securely. But if you need to sand the cured resin, you must take steps to avoid dust, to prevent inhalation into the respiratory tract, which can be quite harmful.

Top Tips for Resin Work Safety

Again, you have to be careful, to help you always handle resin safely, Here are some of the best safety tips, Don't worry, it won't be difficult, a lot of it is just common sense.

• Wear safety gear: prevent any exposure
  
• Safety Gloves: Nitrile gloves will be your best option and will not cause any reaction, latex gloves are not recommended as they will react with the resin.
  
• Eye protection.  You’ll want wraparound safety glasses or goggles. 
• Respirator mask: very important, especially if semi-cured or need to be sanded, you need to have a proper layer of protection
• Safety Apron: Protecting Our Skin From Resin
• Work in a well ventilated area. Fans can also be used to improve air circulation, neither a fan nor opening a window is a substitute for a proper respirator!
• Do not eat or drink while using resin gets in your mouth easily
• Keep the space free of children, pregnant women and pets. Best to keep them away from the resin
• Use the correct resin. Which resin you choose will directly affect the success of your project, so be sure to check your project description to see which resin you should use.

FAQ:

Is it safe to use art resin without a mask?
Wearing a respirator is a requirement for many resin brands on the market.

How long is resin fume toxic?
After about 8 to 10 hours, the smell will disappear. The resin sometimes takes 3 days to cure, but this is often a hard cure. Once you get to the soft cure or mold release stage, the fumes are no longer an issue.

Do epoxy resins cause cancer?
Tests on laboratory animals have shown that old epoxy can cause skin cancer. Most likely epichlorohydrin, which can also cause cancer in humans. However, the newer epoxies contain less epichlorohydrin, so they don't cause cancer in animals.

What happens if the resin is used without gloves?
Epoxy resins are very viscous substances and can cause skin irritation if they come in contact with the skin.

What resin is safest to use?
ISTOYO is composed of the best raw materials and is produced using the best production techniques, minimizing the presence of potential toxins.

How to use resin safely?
Avoid sanding dust from resins, hardeners, mixed epoxies, and partially cured epoxies. Wear protective gloves and clothing when handling epoxy. If resin, hardener or mixed epoxy gets on skin, remove it immediately.

What PPE is needed for the resin?
Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene) - do not use latex gloves. Gloves should have extended cuffs, if available. Use safety glasses/goggles. Wear a lab coat or suitable covering over personal clothing.