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Thinfire, smell and toxicity

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 3:35 pm
by 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

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 3:37 pm
by 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

Re: Thinfire, smell and toxicity

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 5:55 pm
by Cynthia
Paul Tarlow wrote: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.

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 11:28 am
by 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.

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:15 pm
by Rob Morey
I've always been told that it is just starch. If anyone finds out just what it is let us know.

rob

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 12:26 am
by Lynne Chappell
According to my supplier, the binder fumes aren't toxic. However, like all airborne particulates perhaps something to be avoided.