Dangers Of Epoxy Paint Toxins Epoxy Floor Paint Warning Gold Coast
Do you know the dangers of Epoxy Paint to you and your family? Queensland Floor Coating Specialist can help.
Epoxy Paint Dangers Revealed
Toxic fumes of epoxy paint exposed during application can have very real dangers for those working with the material. Epoxy Paint fumes evaporate during the curing stage of epoxy application and are known to cause nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. The powerful agents involved with this two part epoxy paint are often used on large commercial and industrial flooring where large amounts of epoxy is exposed. Although precautions are taken in the workplace, with the used of DIY epoxy in garages and driveways, the epoxy paint toxins are now being exposed to families.
Effects of Epoxy Exposure
The toxic chemicals in epoxy paint are called isocyanates and are dangerous when inhaled over a period of time. Continued inhalation or dermal contact with isocyanides is known to cause occupational asthma, as well as inflammation of the lungs and other similar hazardous effects. For these reasons, you should always allow a freshly painted area time to properly ventilate and dry before re-entering the work area.
The curing or hardening time of epoxy paint can take days, exposing your family, pets and neighbours to the harsh effect of epoxy exposure.
A common problem associated with the curing of epoxy floor paint is “amine blush”. You may have heard of this common, yet unfortunate side effect of epoxy paint. Amine blush is a waxy layer that will form on the surface of a freshly painted area as the epoxy paint goes through the curing process. When drying in low humidity and warm weather, epoxy won’t be likely to suffer amine blush mostly caused when too much moisture is in the air as the paint dries. This problem is more prevalent in cheaper epoxies and can usually be avoided by purchasing a higher quality of epoxy paint.
Reducing the Risk
Controlling the drying rate or curing time of epoxy will determine the finish of the epoxy as well as the hazardous fume exposure. Placing fans or a dehumidifier in a freshly painted area will create better air exchange and cause the paint to dry faster. Deciding to paint in a cooler, less humid time of year will also contribute to the success of your epoxy flooring.
There are several solutions for cleaning areas of your skin or any other surfaces that come in contact with epoxy resins or hardener. White vinegar and rubbing alcohol is an effective and safe method of cleaning epoxy from human skin. Acetone is a colourless, flammable liquid that can be used for removing dry or hardened epoxy from tools, brushes or any other contaminated surfaces.
What is the Alternative?
Having read the potential dangers of epoxy paint, my first question was: “what else can I use?”
I want the gloss effect of epoxy paint, the fast installation, flexibility and cheap application – so what else offers those features? Let me introduce you to iCoat a state of the art, low fume, non toxic floor coating that offers a more flexible, durable and quality finish than epoxy…every time!
- 4x Stronger than Epoxy coatings
- Flexible and Impact Resistant
- 10x Warranty of epoxy
- Lifetime UV Warranty
- Ready to Walk On in 2 hours
- No Toxic Fumes or Toxins
With Flexico Flooring Queensland you can have the floors you always wanted without the dangers to your family. If you live in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, contact your local iCoat Polyaspartic Polyurea team today on 1300 435 394.