nismogrendel Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 I've been using two types of glue lately. I make sure to glue with a window open and my overhead fan on. I live in a pretty small one bedroom apartment.I'm wondering how much fumes are released after I finish gluing, and the glue is drying. What is a safe amount of time to let a piece "air out" after I finish gluing? These are the two glues I am using: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Me5Ucs69L._SY355_.jpghttp://d2pbmlo3fglvvr.cloudfront.net/product/full/4GZK5_AS02.JPG Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teetengee Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 24 hours is probably fine, although you may be fine with shorter periods. I would try to find somewhere a little more ventilated, or at least build right near the window if possible though. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060194 Share on other sites More sharing options...
unitron Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Contrary to popular belief, CA superglues are not that lethally toxic. The fumes are irritating but can`t get you killed especially in the quantities like those in tiny tubes they`re sold in. At worst you can become allergic to CA fumes at some point after continued exposure. I personally witnessed someone manged to splatter liquid superglue on his eyes... just imagine, the worst case scenario described on their packaging happened to him, and he still lives, he`s vision still as sharp and it was 20 years ago, so... no long term conditions either. Oh, and he even didn`t visit a doctor, just washed his eyes, only screamed a little out of discomfort. I don`t encourage you to see and check what`s jammed the tube though. Otherwise, don`t be afraid. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060496 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teetengee Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Contrary to popular belief, CA superglues are not that lethally toxic. The fumes are irritating but can`t get you killed especially in the quantities like those in tiny tubes they`re sold in. At worst you can become allergic to CA fumes at some point after continued exposure. I personally witnessed someone manged to splatter liquid superglue on his eyes... just imagine, the worst case scenario described on their packaging happened to him, and he still lives, he`s vision still as sharp and it was 20 years ago, so... no long term conditions either. Oh, and he even didn`t visit the doctor, just washed his eyes, only screamed a little out of discomfort. I don`t encourage you to see and check what`s jammed the tube though. Otherwise, don`t be afraid. I mean, that doesn't really address worries of chronic exposure in regards to things like cancer risk and such, which are a lot harder to study. Better safe than sorry, is my general thought. As far as I can tell, the dried CA isn't really an issue, but some of the solvents it is stored with can be a problem, and I cannot find much on what the fumes due to lungs over time. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060501 Share on other sites More sharing options...
unitron Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Contrary to popular belief, CA superglues are not that lethally toxic. The fumes are irritating but can`t get you killed especially in the quantities like those in tiny tubes they`re sold in. At worst you can become allergic to CA fumes at some point after continued exposure. I personally witnessed someone manged to splatter liquid superglue on his eyes... just imagine, the worst case scenario described on their packaging happened to him, and he still lives, he`s vision still as sharp and it was 20 years ago, so... no long term conditions either. Oh, and he even didn`t visit the doctor, just washed his eyes, only screamed a little out of discomfort. I don`t encourage you to see and check what`s jammed the tube though. Otherwise, don`t be afraid. I mean, that doesn't really address worries of chronic exposure in regards to things like cancer risk and such, which are a lot harder to study. Better safe than sorry, is my general thought. As far as I can tell, the dried CA isn't really an issue, but some of the solvents it is stored with can be a problem, and I cannot find much on what the fumes due to lungs over time. That would be an intersting study, but IMO there`s really no such thing like 'chronic exposure' in his case, since CA glues are used sporadically by nature. Note even if you have a whole army of resin to assemble once you`re done you don`t become addict to superglue in the process, and you`re probably not that superrich eccentric that does nothing but asseble resins 24h/7 days a week I don`t deny it better safe than sorry though, so yes, ventilating + a fan is really good idea indeed. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060528 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teetengee Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 By Chronic I mean low dose exposure over longer periods rather than acute toxicity problems. So what counts as chronic is unclear, just that it would be repeated and over a long period (e.g. a hobby career). But yeah, fans and vents are your friends. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060532 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismogrendel Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 Thanks for the info guys. I'll keep assembling near a window w/ a fan on. I think I'll let the glue dry on my porch in a tupperware tub or something. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060564 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironwulf Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 The Gorilla Super Glue has the least fumes of the two you have pictured. The Testors plastic cement DOES have harmful fumes though, so you'd be safer to open the window when using that. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060620 Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain sox Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Been using the Testors glue for about 30 years, and I'm still alive and kicking. The low doses that we use it as modelers won't do you any harm. I'll sit for hours and have no ill effects. My wife and cat (OK I'm speaking on behalf of my cat) never seem to smell or complain about it. I've never "seen weird colours, man" or had anything unusual develop over the years. Like anything, if used properly and responsibly, you'll be fine. The fact that when I actually use the glue I can still smell it, is good. If I became numb to the odour I'd worry. If you really are concerned, you can always switch to the non toxic one, the Testors "Blue Tube" which looks just like the red one but in a blue tube. It's not as strong as the red one but smells like lemon. The snacks you have while building your models will be more harmful to you in my opinion Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4060774 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 If you really are concerned, you can always switch to the non toxic one, the Testors "Blue Tube" which looks just like the red one but in a blue tube. It's not as strong as the red one but smells like lemon. If you're considering doing that, you might as well stick them together with rubber cement. The bond would be as strong and the smell is better. Seriously, the blue tube of non-toxic cement is awful. It does not weld the parts together so the bond is weak and impermanent. Parts have been known to fall off on their own, not even from handling. I find the better styrene cement to use is the Testors Model Master liquid cement. It comes in a small black bottle with a precision needle applicator. If you get the glue exactly where you need it, you have to use less of it, so you won't be exposed to as many fumes - or glue smears or ooze. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4061157 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vykryl Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 I use Locktight gel superglue with no fume issues. Like that it stays where I put it and holds well. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4062375 Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Wolf Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 There are currently no known acute or chronic problems with cyanoacrylate (CA) (super) glues with regards to health and safety. CA glue in large quantities is an irritant for the mucous membranes - mostly the eyes - however in the quantities that modellers use them this should not be a problem unless you are severely atopic (susceptible to allergens). Isocyanates (of which CA is one) are known respiratory sensitisers - however this only occurs generally when the substances are sprayed, for example in car body workshops when used as 2 pack paints. The UK Health and Safety Laboratory did a study (RR311) and came to the conclusion that superglue use was well below the workplace exposure limits for industrial use, so hobby use should not be a problem. All the best WW (Health and Safety bloke...) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4065170 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Father Mehman Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 When I smell CA, or anything that smells like it (which is rare), I always get happy. It means someone's about to have some fun ! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/308281-super-glue-model-cement-safety/#findComment-4066101 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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