Thinfire, smell and toxicity

[Paul Tarlow]

Dear Abby,

I know about the dangers of thinfire "dust" once the binder has been burned off.

What about the fumes from burning -- are those toxic? I figured this had to be in the archives -- but if it is there I can't find it.

Sincerely,
Liking my lungs in Austin

[Brock]

I don't think ANY fumes are good for you, some are just worse than others. In my slight nod to safety issues, I avoid ALL papers for firing.
Just don't need them.
Brock

[Cynthia]

Dear Abby,

I know about the dangers of thinfire "dust" once the binder has been burned off.

What about the fumes from burning -- are those toxic? I figured this had to be in the archives -- but if it is there I can't find it.

Sincerely,
Liking my lungs in Austin

I've been told the binders are organic...like a sugar sizing. I don't know if that is fact or not.

You should vent your kiln when burning anything off...painting mediums, binders in fiber boards and papers, fiberglass, glues...If you don't have a vent to take those fumes from the kiln to the outdoors, make sure you have appropriate room ventilation. Sometimes a box fan in a window is adequate to move enough air through.

[Greg Rawls]

Ask the manufacturer for a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). They will have to list the binder. Also, look under the Fire/Reactivity section - it should list hazardous combustion products.

[Rob Morey]

I've always been told that it is just starch. If anyone finds out just what it is let us know.

rob

[Lynne Chappell]

According to my supplier, the binder fumes aren't toxic. However, like all airborne particulates perhaps something to be avoided.