just like to ask some questions guys ,since i'm a newbie ,and gradually developing in this hobby.. I'm just becoming more and more concern with the effects of modelling to my health. Maybe i'm just being paranoid..a hope so. ., Nagkaka result ba to long term health problems and modelling ?? , since we're using lots of chemicals and stuffs...

for example :
-what sort of protection do you use when your painting with your airbrush ( acrylics) .Do we have to wear mask and eye protections of some sort??
- pag nag bbrush painting lang, the paints still stinks . do i have to wear a mask??
- same goes with applying putties ???
Pleasse enlighten me ...

Hi,

I usually wear a mask during sanding, painting and applying putty. Although its a bit annoying it keeps the fumes away.

I think we should take extra precaution when using the stuff that we use if we want to stay in this hobby a long time without adverse effect to our health.

Well, modeling is actually one of the safest hobbies in the world. But it pays to have extra precaution because of the nature of chemicals involved.

When airbrushing or using a spray can, it is imperative that you wear a mask, especially if you are using lacquer thinner.

Many airbrushable paints are acrylic and are considered to be non-toxic and can be thinned using rubbing alcohol and water, which are non-toxic. But I still wear a mask, just in case.

I don't usually wear eye protection except when I use my motor tool to thin things.

I use turpentine or ordinary paint thinner during brush painting but I don't wear a mask when I brush paint.

All others are common sense: not putting a fire source near the chemicals, putting the hobby knife away from the edge of the work table, etc.

Angela

BTW, I forgot to mention that I wear mask even when sanding because we usually inhale minute styrene particles w/c is not very good for the lungs.

You also need to wear a mask when you sand resin parts. I just learned from Defcon 1 of IPMS-BAC that resin dust is dangerous.

Always wash your hands after working on your models. Especially if you handle those white metal figures. It's just a fancy word for lead. Or you'll have lead poisoning.

The best thing is if you can find an NBC suit. :-) SAves you from a lot of trouble.

For me the real health hazard in modelling is smoking. As in cigarette smoking.

I tend to smoke more sticks when, say, waiting for the glue or paint to dry...




BT6

Thanks guys , now im a little bit at ease .. hehe ,knowing that it's not really that dangerous (specially acryics ) , But i guess i'll still buy a mask ,just in case ...thanks , happy modelling and good health to us all...

As an added precaution, I work in an area near a window and my electric fan stategically positioned in such a way the fumes do not reach me.

But sometimes if it gets hot, I work in the gazebo (I appropriated a spot there), open air eliminates the threat of fumes.

I pace my paint sessions. Every now and then (if I work inside the house), I step out for some fresh air before resuming and I keep my electric fan on to blow out the fumes and odors.

Aw you sissies! Don't you know that you're not a Certified Model Nut when you don't build models in an enclosed, non-ventilated, airconditioned room with all the paint, glue, and burning plastic fumes filling the air, and you don't use a mask for that but only rely on nature's bounty - nose hairs! :-)