Hey all,
As I am a very cautious person, I am just curious about the safety of the AIM (now Monroe Models) weathering powders as they contain crystalline silica. If you did not know, small amounts of this dust you cannot even see is dangerous and causes lung cancer as well as other lung problems if inhaled.
Because of this, are there any safety measures I should take when using this powder, besides wearing a respirator just to be safe. For example, would a freight car after weathering with these powders and Dullcote be generally safe to handle or be close to, if any of you have had problems using this powder, and solutions to combat this unfortunate issue.
The reputation of these powders is very good and I am excited to use them, but I have not seen much regarding safety using them and want to know everything I can before I dive in.
Thank you!
http://www.monroemodels.us/weatheringwash.pdf
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Uh oh, I am a dead man for sure. I like to rub the aim products in with my fingers. So far I have survived the asbestos I use to pull off the pipes in elementary school as well as all the semi extreme sports I have pursued.
All kidding aside, thanks for bringing this to our attention. I am well aware of what environmental toxins can do to people and will now go forth in a more informed manner.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
'"Disposable rubber gloves and a respirator mask are strongly recommended."
"...lackluster..."
?????????????
I use a 12v 3'' computer fan sitting to my right about 12'' from the work. It can be run full 12v or step down the volts to slow the fan down. There is a mask (the blue ones people are wearing at this time) on the output side lighty misted with water. The ear strings are stretched back around to the fan's front/input housing. This fan is also used when soldering or heavy foam cutting/forming with hot wire tool.
The rubber gloves serve as a 1) no finger prints on the model for the powders to stick to and 2) removing them makes for easy and fast cleanup of fingers, so I can eat Cheese Curls with clean fingers. The Respirator is a must with fine loose powders, Pan Pastels are more forgiving.
A little bit of humor and truth mixed...
That's why I got into model railroading and constrction, so I could play with dangerous chemicals and powerful tools.......
My friend with the Masters in Environmental Science says "the solution to pollution is dilution".
I have never used powders for weathering, if I ever do, I will give it a little thought then. Meanwhile I have some models to paint and weather with Scalecoat.....
I restore old houses for a living, the lead and asbestos has not killed me yet, I'm 63.
Seriously, there is reasonable care that should be taken with all chemicals, and there are unfounded fears about much of it.
Paint containing lead never harmed anyone in a properly maintained house. And non friable asbestos in residential products has never been shown to cause one illness.
Unless you are weathering cars day in and day out, I suspect the risk is low.
But as suggested above, I do my weathering in the paint booth with solvent based paint.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALMy friend with the Masters in Environmental Science says "the solution to pollution is dilution".
This, and what matters with nearly every toxic chemical is duration of exposure combined with level of exposure.
I am not going to bother to look up anything on crystaline sillica, but I am confident that the very low level of exposure we have when weathering combined with the fact it is an intermittent/rare task that a casual hobbiest has nearly a zero cause for concern.
Minimal protective efforts coomon to all tasks should be effective.
I would bet that weathering a freight car is not as bad for you as eating a super-sized cheeseburger meal with a soft drink.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 ATLANTIC CENTRAL My friend with the Masters in Environmental Science says "the solution to pollution is dilution". This, and what matters with nearly every toxic chemical is duration of exposure combined with level of exposure. I am not going to bother to look up anything on crystaline sillica, but I am confident that the very low level of exposure we have when weathering combined with the fact it is an intermittent/rare task that a casual hobbiest has nearly a zero cause for concern. Minimal protective efforts coomon to all tasks should be effective. I would bet that weathering a freight car is not as bad for you as eating a super-sized cheeseburger meal with a soft drink. -Kevin
ATLANTIC CENTRAL My friend with the Masters in Environmental Science says "the solution to pollution is dilution".