After reading some of the horror stories about Isocyanates that are in 2K primers/sealers I am wondering what type of respirator to use. I really don't want to spend $400 for a supplied air respirator system to use a few times a year but I don't want to develop asthma or something worse. What are some of your opinions on this issue? Thanks.
Fresh air is the only way to go when working with isocyanates. Even skin exposure is dangerous, especially mucous membranes. You need to protect yourself from head to toe. Maybe you can rent/borrow the equipment? http://www.asosh.org/Programmes/SORDSA/Isocyanates.htm Devon
We have a bodyshop and are around the stuff everyday and only wear the $18 throw away respirators and sometimes none at all :spank: , but it tells you right on the package they do not protect against isocyanates. They are actually only good for protection against laquer or enamel spray mist. If you can afford the fresh air setup that's no question the way to go. But a person would still need to have plenty of ventilation to remove the overspray and vapors, eye protection, good quality paint suit, nitrile gloves, etc. Then thoroughly clean up when finished spraying to get any contamination off your skin, hair, clothes and shoes. So it's like anything else, a person can spend as much time and money as you want to on it.
Bet you could rent Scuba gear for the weekend for less than that. That and some noseplugs would take care of the breathing problem. I'd call the rec department of a local university and see what their rates are. I'd think a disposable paintsuit, goggles, and gloves would be cheap after that. As a bonus, you'd look goofy as hell trying to paint your car wearing flippers. - Freed
Isocyanate One of my other hobbies is building and flying radio control planes. Isocyanate adhesives (superglue) have become the glues of choice for doing this kind of stuff. The fumes from these compounds have a cumulative effect - the longer you're exposed to them, the more sensitive you become. You can experience burning eyes, shortness of breath, skin rashes, and things get worse from there. Well ventilated workspaces are necessary. I don't know how much of this stuff is in automotive finish products, but if the fumes are as intense as with model adhesives, I can't imagine trying to tough it out without good protection. It seems like it would be very distracting and bad for quality, not to mention the long term health effects.
A hobbyair setup starts at $359.....that's a deal when you consider the cost of a new set of lungs.... I use one of these when I'm sandblasting as well. http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=HP
I restore a couple cars each year in my home shop and using any product with a hardner has Isocyanates in them that attack your bodies soft tissue. I bought an $ 1800 fresh air system and it is great . No car or any job is worth destroying your health,I would have paid even more if I had to. Too many guys are way to cavalier when painting/priming it will haunt them later,be smart and invest in yourself and your health and buy a fresh air system,trully a no-brainer.
