Postby timb » Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:45 pm
Hi Drew,
I just read this post today and thought that I should share an important health message with you.
This 2K aerosol contains isocyanates and they are quite a toxic class of chemical. The main danger with isocyanates is sensitisation of the lungs resulting in asthma like symptoms which worsen on each exposure, eventually resulting in respiratory failure and death.
Most states in Australia require the use of a spray booth with multi stage carbon filters and a specified minimum make up air flow to protect the environment. The spray painter must wear a positive pressure air hood with the air source outside of the booth and located well away from the booth exhaust. Isocyanates can not legally be sprayed in the open and a normal half or full face respirator will not provide adequate protection for the spray painter.
Spraying is so dangerous because it atomises the isocyanate and increases it’s airborne concentration to much greater levels than the paint sitting in the can.
There are brush applied isocyanate containing 2K paints that give an almost spray like finish with the heat and abrasion resistance you desire and are safe to use. International Paints and Akzo Nobel are brands that I can remember. They are usually available from Marine stores.
Cheers,
Tim Banicevich
NSWRA President
AMRS 36 L1
TRA 15870 L1