nonylphenol and epoxy

[Fritz Koschmann]

I have used over 100 gallons of epoxy on my boatbuilding project so far. The brand I am using, I have recently discovered, has nonylphenol added to the hardeners, quite a bit it seems. I have checked other brands and some have it and some make a point of saying that they don't use it. There is even information that nonylphenol makes a weaker epoxy not to mention the possible health effects. Nonylphenol in addition to other effects is an endocrine disrupter, it mimics hormones usually estrogen. I haven't noticed that I am developing larger breasts but I am concerned about possible effects and thought I would share this information. My project is close to the end of major epoxy use so I probably won't switch but if I had it to do over I might think about alternatives.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Hey Fritz, How about sharing some more info? Which brand has 'quite a bit' and which brand has none? I've been using MAS - I've been told it has less toxic ingredients than WEST. Let's have the dirt!
Steven

[thechemist]

Nonyl phenol does not necessarily make a weaker epoxy, and in certain formulations can actually give a stronger product. I have seen nonyl phenol used in many products, especially decoupage resins, and there are no product-traceable consumer-health issues outside of the normal level of consumers having health problems.

It is not a good idea to get it all over your bare skin, nor to breathe the fumes of epoxy on hot surfaces, such as heated by the sun when one is slathering on large quantities over large areas.

The best thing is to use a mask with organic vapor filter cartridges and work where fresh air, likely from fans, carries any sort of molecules away from you.

It is called using good industrial hygiene.

[John Bell]

Nonylphenol or nonylphenol ethoxylate?

I personally don't put much truck in the belief the nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are that bad. The endocrine disruptor theory is just that a theory, and not well understood one at that. The effects are chronic in any case with no acute reactions. IMO most of the bad press around them is hysteria, pure and simple.

If you've ever used certain products containing nonoxynol-9, you've been in CLOSE contact with NPEs...

I'd suggest reveiwing the MSDS for whatever your using and follow the safe handling recommendations therein.

But this may be a better subject for Misc, however.

[thechemist]

Nonyl phenol is used as an accelerator and modifier in some epoxy formulations.

The ethoxylates are entirely different animals, and there are many different ones. The one mentioned is an effective spermicide, while others with higher degrees of ethoxylation [adding ethylene glycol units in series to make a polyethylene glycol commected to the nonyl phenol part] are used as surfactants...a fancy name for a kind of soap.

Amines are stronger sensitizing agents, and there are epoxide-reactive diluents that deserve far more attention than they get, as regards hygenic risk. Butyl glycidyl ether, for example, was commonly used by most googe merchants until ten or twenty years ago...and some may still use it. The dangers of cresyl glycidyl ether were recognized earlier.....and so it largely left the scene. There may be small googe formulators and merchants who do not have a technical background and formulate something convenient. Do not rely on only the MSDS for the mix, for small companies do not always prepare a correct MSDS and some of the epoxy-side ingredients may be stronger sensitizers all out of proportion to their percentage of the formulation.

If you keep the wind at your back, wear decent gloves and a respirator for organic vapors, you should be quite safe, using just about anything.