[Jewelry making - Article 00020] - Re: [Orchid] MEK safety issues

[James Binnion]

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>         I believe that the faceters have found  that having M.E.K.
>     around can do two things--when heated, it lets off a gas that
>     causes instant pnemonia.  I have also heard that getting a drop in
>     your eye causes almost instant blindness--there is no antidote to
>     my knowledge.  I'm sorry I don't have the research article at
>     hand--the the red flags started waving when I read the initials. 
>     Maybe others will have more info. 

    You are referring to Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide which is a totally
    different chemical. It is used as a catalyst for curing polyester
    (polystyrene) resin. It is known to cause blindness if immediate and
    through eye washing is not accomplished. It is a highly reactive
    compound and should be handled with care. I could not find any
    references to pneumonia symptoms from breathing it.  I have used a
    lot it in one of my first jobs many years ago. We had more health
    problems from exposure to styrene vapors than the MEK Peroxide. 

Jim
Jim Binnion

James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
http://www.mokume-gane.com
jbin AT mokume-gane.com
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