Resin Toxicity

You can reduce the amount of resin dust greatly by using wet-sanding, that is sandpaper which is water resistant so that you can use it while it's wet. Water makes the resin dust particles heavy, and they don't fly around. Make sure you wash the doll well when you're finished, though, as the wet resin dust tends to settle in available nooks and crannies, especially between toes and so on.

- Therese

 

I usually wear a respirator when I'm sanding resin, but I thought it would be okay to shave the eyewells a little with a knife without wearing anything... Maybe there was some loose dust caught in in the joints still, but it was a little hard to breathe after handing the doll and I got sores in the back of my throat. Maybe I'm allergic to resin or something... ops: I don't know if other people have such a strong adverse reaction. I've heard of MSC triggering athsma attacks.

 

Some of the components of MSC and resin are NOT good for human ingestion, either up the nose, in the eyes, or in any shape, form or fashion. Which of course is why one gets all the warnings and advisories on spray cans. They're on there for a reason.

Safety first, kids! Always use a respirator and wear safety goggles of some variety when spraying and sanding.

To quote:"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

Is it possible for someone to be allergic to resin? To the point that they break out in hives or a raised rash?

I've been having problems with this for the past few weeks. It was sudden and rootless, and it's not always the same things causing the rash.

So I'm just curious if anyone has ever broken out to resin, the dust, or any other part of a BJD aside from the cotton on clothing?

 

I've read about people having lung problems and skin reactions to resin dust. I hope that's not the case for you though.

 

I've heard people mention allergies with resin dust as well. I think someone here who molds heads has it, and mentioned rashes, so it's not unheard of. I wonder if sealing the doll with something might make a difference?

 

Almost anything can cause an allergic reaction - vast numbers of people are allergic to latex gloves, for example. The more stable plastics don't usually cause a problem, but it could be the dust, the mould release, or even whatever varnish you're using to seal them.

I'd say unstring them and give them a good bath in some fairly neutral soap - ideally something you use on your hands as well, so you know you're not allergic to that! - and see if it crops up again. If it does, start making a note of whenever you notice it and what you were doing at the time - there's a lot of chemicals involved in this hobby, especially if you're the kind of person who does most esthetics and mods yourself, that it could be any one of them you're having a reaction to.

 

Kaye (here on DoA) makes BJDs and she's very allergic to the resin during the casting process....

 

Somebody I know is allergic to all plastics and chemicals, so it's definitely possible. I agree with Brsis, and would add that afterwards, you should leave all the parts out in a space with good airflow (and little light, of course :P) so the resin can out-gas. All chemically-made products give off emmissions which can be harmful or cause reactions, particularly when they're new-made; if you leave the parts out for a couple of weeks, maybe a month, that should get rid of the worst of the fumes.

The other thing you could consider are wigs - arteficial hair also gives of chemicals, and I would reccomend a similar washing-and-airing process ^^

 

I remember reading that a resin allergy is quite a common one

 

When I first got my doll I couldn't touch him without breaking out in hives all over my arm which, I figured out was his resin dust. After I gave him a really good bath it didn't happen anymore though ^_^

 

Yes, resin can cause an allergic reaction. There was a well-known japanese customizer that had to stop customizing because he started having allergic reactions to resin. He did body modifications. I can't remember his name but he had modified SDs to balance better. Maybe someone here remembers the link to his site.

 

Yep! I am allergic to the resin .. even the dust. I do have many other allergies and I'm asthmatic as well so I guess I might be more sensitive than most. I break out in a rash and hives if I get the liquid resin on my skin and I also get bad headaches and muscle pain in the rest of my body and I THINK it must be because my body absorbs the toxins or something!!? The funny thing is I also seem to be allergic to the dust from when I sand the dolls .. I wear a respirator and gloves and long sleeves but it still affects me so I don't know how it is getting into my body! Anyway!! I guess what I am saying is BE CAREFUL if sanding the resin .. the resin in the finished doll shouldn't be a problem but sanding can be a problem.

 

I wonder if it could be the residue from the mold release they use when casting the dolls? That could explain why you can handle your doll OK now he is washed.

 

I was at a small informal meet once where a girl mentioned being allergic to resin. As we spent more time sitting still (we were walking around a mall) she did start getting sniffly. That was when she mentioned thinking that she was allergic to the resin. She had some Dollfie Dreams I think, but no resin dolls. I dont remember totally but I dont think she really played much with our dolls, she was just around them and started getting allergy symtoms.

 

I get hives from regular urethane when the dolls arrive. It comes from the fumes that come off them and the dust.

Once the dolls have been here awhile, I am fine handling them and don't get hives. I am not allergic to french resin though.
: - )
Catrina

 

I have sanded several of my dolls with no ill effects until I got my Rasendou girl; She sent me into a coughing, nose-bleeding fit. That was in January and I havent gone back to working on her since then. I'm not brave or crazy enough to try and finish her modifications after that.
Also, during a discussion about casting different resins with several professors in my school's 3D department, one of them mentioned that after casting a large resin project she had alarming results on a gynecological exam, and had to be retested. It turns out she was fine but proves that resin, its dust and the chemicals involved with casting it are nothing to play around with as they can get into your system and repeated exposure to anything can be harmful.
So everyone please be careful when sanding your dolls~ especially if you already know you're sensitive to chemicals or have allergies. I had my bad experience with it and am hesitant to do more work to my kids because of it.

Edit: I thought I should add that when I was working on my Rasendou I was wearing a canister mask rated for organic particles as well as gloves, but still had such a bad reaction.

 

I'm really disappointed. I was all set to spend my three day weekend sanding coating and then blushing my Bella Auden.

I was sanding with water and a respirator, not one of those paper masks. Less than an hour later, I had a really bad headache and felt kind of sick. Was I just overheating/having trouble getting enough air with that mask?

I'm not sure what to do because it was going really slowly and I can't imagine the time it would take to do it all feeling that way or if I should even continue. I really want to protect her, but I would hate to coat her with all the seams.

I just took a shower and feel a little better.

 

Maybe you need a new carteridge? I know that when ever I breathe in even a bit of resin dust I get a stomach ache. Lie down, take a break and then check your respirator!

 

It sounds like you did all the right things. i can't imagine you inhaled any dust, but it could irritate your skin. It is possible that you are not getting enough oxygen with the respirator, You might have someone look at it or try it to see what they think. Make sure you use the MSC outside or in an airy place.
Another thought, I have had masks give me sinus headaches because the weight of them press down on them. The pressure could also limit how much oxygen you get.
the fact that a shower made you feel better makes me think that the steam opened your sinuses, so I'm thinking sinus pressure.

 

Ugh. I spent 30$ on that mask. I wonder if they would take it back if I told them the pressure of the mask gave me a headache.

It's not the filters...I just bought it today. I was outside also.

Hmmm...maybe I should try the paper kind.

 

Depending how hot it was while you were working outside will also affect how well you can work. Try a regular surgical mask, but if possible find a different respirator to use cause that is the best chance of protecting your lungs.

 

It is possible that you are SO very allergic to resin dust that skin contact is giving you the allergic reaction.

Try wearing something with long tight sleeves and gloves when you sand.

Remember, you can trigger allergies by skin contact. That is how allergy tests are done.

 

I would think it had something to do with the mask more than the dust. I would think if you had a reaction from it coming in contact with your skin you would have broken out as well as felt sick.

 

It's very common to get bad headaches when attaching things to your head that you're not used to -- the heavier, the worse it is. Even headbands will give people headaches if they're not used to wearing them. Bad headaches usually lead to people feeling sick in other ways, as well.

I think your problem was caused more by the respirator than the resin dust. If you were allergic to the dust, your skin would have reacted to it as well.

 

I ended up ditching my respirator for another one which costs twice as much, it has much softer material against your face and only one big filter at the front instead of one each side.

Best thing I ever did.

 

What Elljaye and Lizzard said, also you may have had the straps on your respirator pulled too tight. The seal just has to make good contact with your skin, the respirator doesn't have to be jammed up as tight as you can get it.

 

Did you do a fit test on the respirator before you bought it? (I've never actually bought a respirator, just had them issued to me by my workplace, so I don't know buying procedure) Even if you did, I'd take the respirator back to the store and have them check the fit again, just to see that you have the straps going around your head properly. The double strap (has two straps that make a football shape at the back of your head) should go over the crown of your head (imagine if you had a headcap, it would go over the middle of it.) and the elastic lower strap goes at the back of your neck.

To fit test it, lightly cover (Cover completely without putting any pressure on it at all) the filter at the lower center of the respirator and exhale. Then cover both the side cartridges and exhale. There shouldn't be any air escaping at any points around the mask. (You'd be able to feel it.) Even if you've already tested it in the store, try it again. I just got a new respirator for work and the first time I wore it, it felt like I couldn't breathe--that I wasn't getting any air at all. (I only needed it a on for a few minutes that first time anyway) And then, whether it was just from having worn it or what, but I did a fit check to make sure I somehow didn't end up with the wrong size or something, and then suddenly it decided to work properly.

Another possibility is you had the beginnings of a cold or sinus thing already, but not to the point you'd really notice, and the lack of air made it worse. (Respirators do cut back how much air you're getting and I try to avoid doing work that requires them when I already have a cold, because that's just miserable. Also it makes it gross to clean out the respirator afterward.)

Another possibility: What do you clean the respirator with after each use? If it's rubbing alcohol-based, that might be a potential culprit.

 

just a though, in addition to the pressure of the mask, the headache might have been added to by the consentration you were putting into the sanding?
... i know sometimes when i work on my dolls, i get a tension headache

 

If you were allergic to it, you'd probably have more of a reaction then just being lightheaded. Your skin most surely wouldve broken out or gotten itchy too.

Try sanding outside WITHOUT the mask on...Its not so dangerous that you have to lock your face up like fort knox..Just sit downwind and work without it.

Also, if you really are worried about allergies to resin, ask your doctor to do an allergy test.

 

hmmm sounds like you're doing all the right things. But like others have said, be sure the mask is fitted properly since those can give headaches otherwise. But I once found at a hobby lobby a kit container for glass etching that could be used for sanding dolls etc. that basically makes a balloon casing that doesn't let the powder from sanding or etc. leave it (kind of like a blown up version of those containment units that have the gloves or portal access you can put your hands through), wouldn't need masks hardly for that. So if it's not the mask maybe something like a special container like that would help.

 

everyone knows that resin dust is toxic, and masks should be used, and sandpaper wet....but I want to know:
1) how toxic is it?
2) what are the effets?
3) do you need to be exposed to alot for it to be harmful?
4) if there is resin dust inside a pre-sanded doll how dangerous is it?
4b) If you didn't notice and played with it alot, how much would you be exposed to it's internal dust?
5) does anyone have an article or any other documents relating to the dangers?

All of my dolls (pre-sanded) have had resin dust inside them which is why I ask. They retained a "new resin" scent for quite a long time.
6)did this scent contain harmful dust?

 

Resin dust is effectively an inhalant. Unless you are allergic to the particular chemical, or have very odd body chemistry most inhalants effect the nervous system. This can cause a range of things to occur in the body, but mostly it kills brain cells and causes you to lose your motor control. Limited exposure is not horrible, but it is still recommended that you wear a dust mask or respirator when dealing with sprays and powders, because every little bit adds up, and has the tendency not to go away.
If your worried about breathing in resin dust from a pre-sanded doll.. just give the parts a bath, or seal them (if using a spray please use a mask and do it in a well ventilated area).
Neurological damage is not good... Once after a figure class I was spray-fixing a pastel painting and I got two good wiffs of my spray-fix, I was dizzy for three days while my body was adjusting to the damage that had just been inflicted on it. This was also influenced by four previous years of inhaling pastel dust, charcoal dust, and a little spray fix.... so it really adds up over time.

 

For most people it's an extended-exposure situation. If your doll was sent to you with dust on them, I'd definately wash that off. Resin allergies are not at all uncommon either, both to respiration or external exposure. People regularly inhaling resin fumes or with sensitivity frequently demonstrate neurological effects such as dizziness, memory loss, confusion and balance problems. These can be *permanent* so exposure is best limited!

 

Sorry if this is off topic but...

How toxic is Resin?

I've always wondered and I have inhaled a bit of Resin before and I just got a little light headed.

and it is currently over my bedsheets...I know I have to wash it but...I'm just worried about the little particles floating around the room. It is well ventilated and I have a fan going so the air flow is better.

 

I don't know exactly how toxic it is but Resin is pretty bad stuff!
Carefully fold up the bed sheet and wash it (don't move it around a lot or suddenly), if you have a window open it and point the fan out the window, shut the door and stay out of the room for a long time X__x
That's my advice hopefully someone more knowledgable will also help

 

uh ... I'm not a resin expert or anything ^_^; but I know it's pretty bad for you to inhale resin particles because they stick inside your lungs and don't degrade. did you do a lot of sanding or something in your room? I'm .. not sure how you would go about cleaning all of the resin out of there >_<; but I know it's best that you leave sanding to open places (like somewhere outside) and wear a sanding mask. I hear a lot of people saying a gasmask is a good investment if you do tons of resin work.

 

As Hisuiyui said the dust causes lung damage among other things. Anything that produces fine, non degrading dust can permanently damage your lungs and respiratory tract but some substances are more volatile than others as the chemicals in them cause additional damage. I'm sure you've heard of asbestos dust/fibres for example and just how dangerous that is!

Might be worth giving your room a damp dust (getting a basin of water with a minute drop of soap in it, a cloth, a few old towels, and wiping down every surface in your room) and washing everything that is washable.

 

Definitely try to do all of your sanding outside, or failing that, a REALLY well ventilated area, and a respirator/mask. Also, try to use wet sanding as much as possible, this helps cut down on dust.
I believe, that the resin that most of our dolls are made of is polyurethane resin, which is of course, not biodegradable. Meaning, that if it gets into your lungs, it's staying there for the rest of your life.

According to Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane#Health_and_safety
it's not toxic in it's solid form, only in liquid form.

 

Resin dust is VERY damaging.

THIS is what you can get!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicosis

Just some highlights from the Wiki article--

"Silicosis (also known as Grinder's disease and Potter's rot) is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in forms of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs.

Silicosis (especially the acute form) is characterized by shortness of breath, fever, and cyanosis (bluish skin). It may often be misdiagnosed as pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), pneumonia, or tuberculosis."

"Silicosis is an irreversible condition with no cure. Treatment options currently focus on alleviating the symptoms and preventing complications."

 

this is why it is recommended to do all sanding wet when possible.

best place to do a lot of sanding? someplace WITHOUT a lot of fabric to catch, hold, and re-release into the air, resin dust.

like, say... the bathroom, or the kitchen. or outside in a bucket of water.

all sanding in this household is done in the kitchen, at one of the sinks, with the sink full of water and the part being sanded as well as the sandpaper being used dipped into the water every few minutes to remove wet dust and keep it from drying out and getting into the air.

 

i dont think its technically toxic its just the fact that when you breath in the particles they particles build up and block air flow into your vesicles the little air sacks that take in air and put it in your blood so open a door and keep the fan on and leave the room and try not to let the resin on your sheets get into the air you may want to spray your sheets with water before you take them off your bed -3-

 

...that's what toxic means. a buildup of particles the body cannot process and therefore cause harm. which is why resin dust is referred to as being toxic and not poisonous. the resin itself when solid and cured is not toxic, the dust is, as is liquid resin due to the fumes released.

 

I believe possibly why people are saying that doll resin is poisonous, is because it's being confused with something else known as urethane (polyurethane isn't actually urethane at all, nor is urethane an ingredient in polyurethane):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethyl_carbamate
which certainly IS poisonous. However, it's a white crystalline substance, which is usually water soluble. It's definitely not the same thing.

It may also be because a company, known as 'Forever Doll', used to make their bootlegged dolls out of a disintegrating, poisonous resin. This isn't the norm however.

 

So, my doll won't have particles as long as it's not sanded, correct? I don't want to get any in my lungs, but if I smell the doll or the doll gets close enough to my nose to breathe it in...

Now I'm scared to sand, like, EVER. lol

 

It's usually recommend that you sand with sanding materials that can be used wet/dry and use them wet, rinsing the sanding material often in the water. That way the dust is trapped on the sander and rinsed into the water.

Carolyn

 

That's right, the scent you're getting is commonly known as 'new doll smell' The closest comparison I can think of is how certain plastics have a distinctive smell when they're new.

Feel free to snuggle your new doll to your heart's content.

 

Was that post directed at my post? I heard about new resin smell, but that wasn't what I was referring to. I smelled my doll to see what it smelled like (surprisingly, no smell) but was wondering if it could be inhaled when you're not sanding it, like if you smelled it.

 

Sorry I wasn't very clear.
Unless you're sanding your doll, they won't give off any particles.

 

Okay, thanks. *whew* I was worried for a second there. So scary the way it gets stuck in your lungs. Isn't there a way to get it out if it's in there?

 

not to be paranoid, but I have the same question as Mamehisa, adding, that I remember the last knock offs from China had toxic resin to add to the misery

 

Isn't most of the resin that we're used to here toxic? Isn't it pretty much all toxic except for French resin? Or are we talking something crazy toxic?

 

Considering China putting lead paint on children's toys and formaldehyde in cotton shirts, we're probably talking crazy toxic.

 

in general, it is resin DUST which is toxic, not resin in a solid chunk, and that goes for whether it's polyurethane resin or french resin. what they're talking about is resin with urethane in it, which is water-soluble and can leech into the skin via contact with the resin... and is not something the body can process, leading to illness.

 

Hi,
Is there any more info about toxic resin anywhere on the web? I would like to find out more about it. I have a 20 month old baby girl, and I don't want her around these dolls if they're toxic, and I actually don't want to have too many of these dolls in one room.
Thank you for any more info.

 

Oh no...I had no idea before, and I use to sand resin dolls in my bathroom without any mask, and of course, I'm sure it left some resin dust in there that we all inhaled. I'm kicking myself over this. Thanks so much for telling me.

 

0.0 That's pretty serious, especially if your new baby was breathing the dust too. Resin is very toxic in dust form, and since you sanded it inside and unprotected, you might want to contact a doctor. I hope you and your baby are ok.

 

That is so scary. I did that a while ago, maybe 3 -4 months ago.. what kind of effects does this have? Respiratory and what else? I need to look up more info, but I can't find any on line. Thank you.