[pianotech] open message to CA users

[David Skolnik]

Nick -
First, something you've probably already looked at:

Wikipedia on Cyanoacrylate
>
>Toxicity
>
>
>
>The fumes from CA are a vaporized form of the cyanoacrylate monomer 
>that irritate sensitive membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat. 
>They are immediately polymerized by the moisture in the membranes 
>and become inert. These risks can be minimized by using CA in well 
>ventilated areas. About 5% of the population can become sensitized 
>to CA fumes after repeated exposure, resulting in 
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Flu-like_symptoms>flu-like 
>symptoms.[15] It may also act as a skin irritant and may cause an 
>allergic skin reaction. The 
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/American_Conference_of_Governmental_Industrial_Hygienists>ACGIH 
>assign a 
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Threshold_Limit_Value>Threshold 
>Limit Value exposure limit of 200 
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Parts_per_billion>parts per 
>billion. On rare occasions, inhalation may trigger 
><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki//wiki/Asthma>asthma. There is no 
>singular measurement of toxicity for all cyanoacrylate adhesives as 
>there is a wide variety of adhesives that contain various 
>cyanoacrylate formulations.
>
>The United States National Toxicology Program and the United Kingdom 
>Health and Safety Executive have concluded that the use of ethyl 
>cyanoacrylate is safe and that additional study is unnecessary.[16]

and so on.

Keep in mind that Joe works in New York City, so he can walk around 
in that stunning ensemble he's described and he will be nothing if 
not chic.  On the other hand, if he were to accessorize with, say, a 
vacuum, he'd probably get arrested.  Fashion is cruel.   I'd still go 
with a somewhat more aggressive approach.  I don't like wearing a 
respirator for an extended period as, aside from its discomfort (to 
some, probably not Joe), it can be stressful to breathing, over 
time.  Also, if that's the extent of the mitigation, you still need 
to be mindful of the residual fumes for the residents, (or the cat 
that sleeps in the piano) or at whatever point you remove the 
mask.  I guess the simple answer is that I'm likely among the 5% and 
he's not.  That makes me special, eh?  Actually, Joe is special in other ways.

I'll let you know how I do trying to reproduce Rex's exhaust fan system.

David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY






At 11:35 PM 2/13/2012, you wrote:
>Nick,
>I just gear up to handle the fumes.  I don't use a vacuum.  I wear a
>respirator that is certified for usage on fumes, even as noxious as
>ammonia.  I wear chemistry lab-style goggles and latex (or other)
>gloves.  Ed Dryburgh sells tips that fit onto the bottles, and if they
>clog, you just nip that part off with  shears or a blade.  And a
>headlamp over all that gear, to really see where you're placing the
>fluid, it must look pretty scary to the piano owner, but according to
>the MSDS, CA is only an irritant.  My eyes don't burn, I don;t have
>trouble breathing, the only issue is a sore neck, which I accommodate
>with by charging a little more for the job.
>Good luck.
>Joe Wiencek

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