Hi,
I sure hope that someone can help me with this problem. I am haveing a reaction to epoxy. My eyes almost swell shut and I am breaking out around my neck, and thre areas itch like gangbusters. This has happened three times now and I'm sure that the problem comes from epoxy use. I have used epoxy off and on for many years without any problem. Since the problem I have used an exaust fan, tried and succeded in not getting the epoxy on my hands, wiped down with alcohol as soon as I finished, put the excess epoxy in a zip lock bag and sealed it befor putting it in the trash. I'm at a loss now and feel that I will have the same problem with fiberglass too.

You've discovered the same problem many folks have had with epoxy-after enough exposure, you start having this reaction. The effects accumulate. Dunno if it's a true allergy, but it stinks either way. The fan doesn't help because it's a contact allergy. Try wearing nitrile gloves (they're blue). I found some in a Menard's paint dept. the other day. Washing the glue off with alcohol probably makes it worse-the thinned epoxy only soaks in faster. Use hot soap and water if you get it on your skin. Avoiding exposure is the only answer because your immune system is loaded with antigens now, and you'll continue to react.

The smell of Epoxy will make me sick. Generally the day after I will have a killer headache. I cut way down on the use of epoxy. When I must use it, I glue what must be glued and get the heck out of there. And don't go back in there all day. IT only gets worse with time. One friend of mine actually would wear a filtered mask, the kind they use to paint cars. You know, with the two round filtered elements sticking out at angles. IF you ever get to that point, those masks do work.