: I thought that epoxy was less toxic than the "ester" family. The
: material data safety sheets for the epoxies I have used (West System and
: System 3) show not enough VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to be worried
: about. I've worked with esters also, and the fumes can overcome you if
: you're not wearing a proper respirator. I haven't even noticed any fumes
: with epoxy (am I missing something)?
: -Mike C.

You are undoubtedly right about the relative toxicity, polyester stinks bad and smells dangerous, whereas the epoxy I ever mixed has a mild, not unpleasant smell (assuming odor equates with toxicity).

I mentioned toxicity whereas what I meant to refer to was a reputation for causing allergic intolerance.

I remember reading on the MAS and West pamphlets, the warnings about not letting wet epoxy touch you, and against breathing the fumes, cause you can build up the intolerance. Reputedly once the allergic reaction develops it more or less never goes away and you kind of have to stay away from uncured expoxy.