HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT | POSSIBLE EFFECTS |
---|---|
NAPHTHALENE | Damages liver, prolonged vapor exposure has led to cataract formation |
PHENOL | Central nervous system depressant, severely affects circulatory system, corrosive to skin; suspected carcinogen |
ETHANOL | Ingestion causes intoxication; additives are poisonous |
VINYL CHLORIDE | Causes liver dysfunction, suspected carcinogen |
FORMALDEHYDE | Suspected carcinogen and a strong irritant to the eyes, throat, skin and lungs |
ACRYLONITRILE | Damages liver and blood, can cause shock |
Glues, rubber cement, epoxy, and other adhesives contain a solvent which, when applied, evaporates out leaving the solid adhesive portion behind. Rubber cement, epoxy, instant glues, model glues, and plastic adhesives contains five dangerous solvents. Many adhesives are extremely flammable. Some adhesives are skin and lung irritants and allergy-sensitizers while others can cause burns to skin and eyes. Many of the solvents used in adhesives and glues have narcotic, possibly fatal, effects when inhaled in high concentrations. Inhalation of fumes from cured epoxy resins may result in coughing and bronchial spasms for several days.
Instant glues contain small amounts of solvent which rapidly dissolve. This product is considered to be of low toxicity, but there are other concerns to be noted. Instant glues bond so rapidly and strongly that the least sloppiness can result in an undesirable and sometimes dangerous situation. A drop of glue on the finger followed by a touch to the eye can end with a semi-permanent finger in the eye (which will release in less than 24 hours). The safest glues on the market are white glue, library paste, yellow wood glue, and glue sticks. White glue effectively bonds most porous and semi-porous materials such as paper, cloth, wood, and pottery. White glue can also be used for big jobs such as laying hardwood floors.
Use: Use white glue, glue sticks, or yellow glue when ever possible. Never use toxic adhesives on laminated cutting boards, bowls, or a product which contacts food. Carefully read the label. Wear protective gloves with adhesives and cements. If the glue contains solvents, use only in a well ventilated area with plenty of fresh air. Avoid wearing soft contacts, which may absorb solvent vapors. If the adhesive is flammable be certain to extinguish sources of ignition (such as pilot lights) if you will be using a large quantity of the solvent in a room where a source of flame is located. Keep the lid tightly closed when the glue is not in use.
Storage: Store away from children and sources of flame. Make sure cap or lid is tightly secured.
Disposal: The best way to avoid a waste disposal problem is to use it up as intended. If the adhesive or glue is anything other than instant, white, or yellow glue, it is recommended that this product be disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste handler or saved for a house hold hazardous waste collection. However, if the glue or adhesive has hardened, it may be thrown in the trash destined for the landfill.