Dangers?

[Doug Lester]

I use a respirator for just about anything that produces fumes or dust. A dust mask might do for some of the things, but I have the respirator and I don't have any problems wearing it and it's not problem if it's overkill. I even wear it when I clean the shower stall to keep the cleaner fumes from making me wheeze.

Doug Lester

[Steve]

We can get accustomed to using safe practices, if we make the effort. It will pay off in the long run. You're a great example, Doug.

[markd]

Adhesives absorbing into the skin can be hazardous as well.

[Ron Aggus]

I thought the biggest danger in being a knife maker was going broke and starving to death.

[Steve]

Certainly a possibility for everyone!

[john smith]

Just about every thing made has a MSDS this is the (material safety data sheet).
you can ask for one when you buy a product, it will tell you what safety gear you should wear when using, symptoms of overdose, how to treat.The technical name of the product.You should keep all this information in a folder for easy reference for you, the emergencey room and the fire dept. You can also look this up on line.
Sometimes MSDS are not easy to read. There is a number on there called the LD50 (lethal dose) the lower the # the more toxic the chemical is, either orally or dermal thru the skin.I have had my state pesticide ####### for 18 years and had to learn this stuff and still do not understand it all, so read a few this might help. Even pinesol cleaner has a MSDS because it is a fungicide and treated 4x4 post from your lumber store has a MSDS.Don't be scared just read and understand, if it says wear gloves and mask you should. When you buy stablized wood for you handles you should find out what they used in the process.

[Steve]

Thanks, John, and everyone. Here's what I found on this site:
http://www.bu.edu/es/labsafety/ESMSDSs/MSAcetone.html

(I'll be wearing gloves from now on. I don't think inhalation is a problem. The small amt. that I use on a pad, to clean a blade, is hardly detectable, by smell, while in the process).

Potential Health Effects
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Inhalation:
Inhalation of vapors irritates the respiratory tract. May cause coughing, dizziness, dullness, and headache. Higher concentrations can produce central nervous system depression, narcosis, and unconsciousness.

Ingestion:
Swallowing small amounts is not likely to produce harmful effects. Ingestion of larger amounts may produce abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Aspiration into lungs can produce severe lung damage and is a medical emergency. Other symptoms are expected to parallel inhalation.

Skin Contact:
Irritating due to defatting action on skin. Causes redness, pain, drying and cracking of the skin.

Eye Contact:
Vapors are irritating to the eyes. Splashes may cause severe irritation, with stinging, tearing, redness and pain.

Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may produce severe irritation or dermatitis.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Use of alcoholic beverages enhances toxic effects. Exposure may increase the toxic potential of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as chloroform, trichloroethane.