Health and Safety when working with Epoxy Resin

As epoxy resin has become an increasingly popular material for DIY projects, art, and various industrial applications, many creators and businesses are diving into resin work with enthusiasm. However, with this rise in popularity comes a growing concern for health and safety. Here at U RESIN, we have 3 generations of expertise and over 35 years of hands-on experience working with chemicals, specifically epoxies.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into why it’s so important to prioritise health and safety when working with epoxy resins, debunk myths that have been circulating in the online resin world, and provide comprehensive tips to protect yourself when working with chemicals.

Understanding the Risks of Epoxy Resin –

If you have found your way to this blog article then you probably already know what epoxy resins are. But for a brief recap, for anyone just starting out; “epoxy resin” is a two-component system consisting of a resin and a hardener, which, when combined, undergoes a chemical reaction that creates a strong and durable material. The resin’s versatility makes it a fantastic medium for creating art, furniture, jewellery, and so much more. However, the chemical composition of epoxy resin can also pose risks to your health, if not handled correctly.

Unfortunately, over our many years in business we’ve witnessed many people suffer from allergies, skin reactions, and other health-related issues due to the improper handling, misinformation and exposure to various resin products and brands.

Some of the most common health risks associated with working with epoxy resins include:

• Skin irritation and allergic reactions: Epoxy resins can cause skin irritation, especially when they are uncured. Allergic reactions can range from mild rashes to more severe dermatitis over time.
• Respiratory issues: Breathing in fumes from certain resins or hardeners, especially in poorly ventilated areas, can lead to short-term irritation of the respiratory tract and long-term respiratory issues if exposure is prolonged.
• Eye irritation: Resin fumes alone can irritate the eyes, especially if you’re working in a space with insufficient ventilation. Not to mention if you were to splash resin on your face or into your eyes.
• Sensitisation: Over time, individuals can become sensitised to epoxy resin, meaning that even small exposures to uncured resin may trigger severe reactions.

These issues become particularly concerning when people work with epoxy resin over a period without proper safety measures in place. Unfortunately, many people do not realise the risks until they’ve already developed sensitivities or other health issues.

The Dangers of Misleading Information – 

One of the most significant problems we’ve observed in more recent years is the misinformation and false advertising circulating in the resin industry. Many companies, particularly those promoting new or lower-cost brands of resin, market their products as “non-toxic,” “food safe,” or even claim that their resins are “safe to use indoors or around kids” without any additional precautions.

While these kinds of claims may seem extremely appealing, they can be dangerously misleading. No epoxy resin, regardless of the brand, is entirely non-toxic while it’s in its liquid or uncured state. Resins are reactive chemicals, and exposure to them without proper safety measures can lead to harmful consequences.

Over the years, we have seen many artists and creators, especially those who “trial” new resin products or frequently change brands, suffer from increased health issues as a result. Every time you switch to a new brand, you’re exposing yourself to different formulations and chemicals, which may increase your sensitivity to any product.
This constant swapping and testing can make it more likely that you’ll develop allergic reactions or even long-term health effects. What’s more concerning is that many people don’t realise the damage that can be done, as some health impacts take time to manifest.

The Reality of Resin Toxicity – 

Contrary to what some misleading marketing might suggest, no resin is 100% “safe” for direct contact with food or children unless it is fully cured and tested under strict regulations. Even then, the context matters. A fully cured resin product may be used decoratively but shouldn’t be treated as a surface directly in contact with food unless it has been explicitly tested and certified as food safe under proper regulatory standards.
Again, the context matters. epoxy resin testing is only based on the pure resin itself. Once you heat it, add pigments, micas, glitters, alcohol, etc., you are completely changing the natural chemistry of the resin, leading to the test results being nil and void.
If you want to learn more on how we feel about “Food Safety” specifically, then we have a blog article that you can read here: https://www.uresin.com.au/blog/is-u-resin-epoxy-resin-food-safe/

Moreover, the “non-toxic” label is often used irresponsibly. While a product may not contain certain regulated hazardous chemicals, this doesn’t mean it’s safe to use in enclosed spaces without ventilation or safety protection. Resins release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they cure, which can be harmful when frequently inhaled or for prolonged periods of time. Working with resin in small, enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation can increase your exposure to these VOCs, leading to long-term respiratory issues.

It is no different to say, using bleach in your household. You avoid using it in confined areas and would open windows, turn on fans and use gloves while handling it. Depending on your sensitivity to it, you may even wear a mask.

Why Health and Safety Measures Are Crucial – 

While epoxy resin is an incredible material with various unique uses, protecting yourself is crucial to ensure you can enjoy working with resin for many years to come without putting yourself or your families’ health at risk. Here are a few reasons why adhering to proper health and safety guidelines is essential:

1. Preventing Sensitisation:  As mentioned earlier in our blog, repeated exposure to resin can lead to sensitisation. This means that, even if you’ve worked with resin for years without any problems, you may develop allergic reactions after prolonged exposure. Sensitisation often results in severe skin conditions or respiratory issues, forcing some people to give up working with resin altogether. To avoid this, it’s essential to take preventative measures before health problems arise.

2. Reducing Long-Term Health Risks:   Frequent exposure to resin fumes without proper ventilation can result in long-term respiratory issues. These problems may not be immediately evident, but over time, they can severely impact your quality of life. Using a proper mask, working in a well-ventilated spaces, and limiting exposure to fumes are essential steps to protect your respiratory health.

3. Creating a Safe Workspace:  Safety in the workplace isn’t just about protecting yourself – it’s also about ensuring that your workspace is safe for others, whether it’s in your home, studio, or classroom. If you’re running resin workshops, teaching art classes, or working in an environment with children or pets present, keeping safety a priority is non-negotiable.

Safety Tips for Working with Epoxy Resin – 

Now that you know a bit more around the issues that can occur, let’s talk more about how to safely work with epoxy resins to avoid such issues from occurring:

1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  ALWAYS wear nitrile gloves, protective clothing/ apron, and a P2 mask when handling epoxy resin. Nitrile gloves are preferable to latex or vinyl, as both materials can degrade when exposed to resin or cleaning supplies like isopropyl alcohol or acetone.
Safety glasses are also a good idea to protect your eyes from fumes or accidental splashes, especially when using a drill or other electric mixers.

2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area:  Proper ventilation is KEY to preventing overexposure to harmful fumes or exothermic reactions. Ensure your workspace has good airflow by opening windows, using fans, or working outside when possible. If you’re working indoors, use a respirator mask designed for chemical fumes and keep it in a space where other family members including pets won’t be exposed to any fumes.

If you want to work with resin, but don’t have a suitable space available, don’t risk it. There are studios or art spaces available for hire around Australia. If you are based in WA and looking for a suitable art space to create in, our studio is available for hire. Email us with your desired dates for hire and we will get back to you with pricing and availability.

3. Measure and Mix Resin Properly:  Accurate measurements are essential for both safety and the success of your project. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing ratios, and avoid experimenting with additives (oils, acrylics, alcohol, solvents, etc.) that may alter the resin’s curing process. Incorrect measurements can result in curing issues or trigger an intense exothermic reaction (overheating), which can also be hazardous.

4. Avoid Touching Uncured Resin:  NEVER handle uncured resin directly with your hands. Even a small amount of uncured resin can lead to skin irritations. Always use protective gloves and avoid touching your face or other exposed skin.

5. Don’t Rely on “Advertising” Claims:  Be wary of companies claiming that their resin is 100% non-toxic, food safe, or safe to use without any precautions. Always follow basic safety guidelines regardless of what the label says. Even if a product is marketed as low-odour or non-toxic, it’s better to safe than sorry.

If a company is not providing you safety instructions either on the labels or a booklet/sheet with the product, refer directly to the Safety Data Sheets more a more comprehensive look on safety instructions.

When used correctly, it is not impossible to have no issues around resin. Take it from us and our first hand experience. With all of our family members that have been in the industry in the last 35 years, we have never experienced health related issues caused by resins. When we work with these products day in and day out, we exercise proper safety measures as mentioned above, to avoid these issues from occurring.

We encourage you to be cautious when selecting and using chemical materials, especially when frequently trying new brands. Remember, no art project is worth risking your health over. By following proper safety protocols and being mindful of how you handle, store, and use resin, you can continue to create beautiful projects while protecting your health and well-being.