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KandorinCreations — Fursuit Maker Health Hazards
Published: 2015-08-08 05:18:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 5669; Favourites: 2; Downloads: 0
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It was brought to my attention last night while in a conversation with another suit maker that most don't realize just what they are working with. They were asking why I don't cast expanding foam toes or use any similar materials and were confused when my number one reason was the toxicity of the materials they suggested.
My answer was that while I'd like to I'm not set up with a well ventilated work space and that said area doubles as my office. Even IF I was to wear a respirator while casting it would still linger for a long time after that.
Perfect example, casting powders, the wonderful little powders that allow me to make things all pretty and metallic. Even though they aren't listed as inherently toxic it does say that they should not be inhaled. NOW, while i do ware a mask while casting with them the powder will hang in the air for as long as TEN days. If you look closely you can even see the air sparkle in the florescent light. If you run your finger though the dust on my shelf you'll see its mostly this shimmering material. This is just the stuff you can see. Many of the chemicals we work with if not properly handled are in fact carcinogens that cause lung cancer later in life so you wont know that your in danger.
Most makers understand the basic dangers of resin, resin fumes, urethane, and other similar products but I've noticed that few if any keep those strange things called MDSD's that come in the mail with their chemicals.
What is an MSDS? It's a material safety data sheet and it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.
All suit makers who work with these chemicals should keep these forms in their shops, not only for their own reference but more importantly for the emergency workers who may need to help you some day and wont know what on earth you have exposed yourself to. It doesn't matter how careful you are accidents still happen sometimes in the strangest ways. I lost my grip on cup of part A smoothcast 300 and it hit the table and splashed into BOTH of my eyes by shooting up OVER my safety goggles. While I had help there who knew what to do if I hadn't had them there telling rescuers some random chemical name verses handing them the paper telling them what treatment I needed could have been the difference between sight and darkness.
For me, I always stand at the edge of the possibility of having an accident like this. Some but not all know that I have a blood pressure disorder that can cause me to pass out and collapse with little warning. So having this knowledge and precaution is truly essential to me continuing in the realm of suit building safely.
This by no means is meant to be a journal to scare people. THIS is a journal meant to educate and inform you so that you can take the best possible care of yourselves. I love you all and want to see you all live long happy lives creating wonderful pieces of art.
~Keeatah
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Comments: 10
As a corporate safety professional I certainly appreciate this advice! Hazard ID is probably one of the least considered factors in any design; and as a newbie in masks (I dress make but am relatively new to cosplay) and fur suiting this is valuable info. Cheers!
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I did not know this, but good to know! Thanks for the information <3
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So, if these chemicals are dangerous to the fursuit makers, does that mean they're dangerous to the wearers too, since they would be exposed to them for long periods?
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No as they are in a stable form by the time you wear them. The real hazard is when they are in their liquid form going through the chemical reaction that turns them into a solid. Good question though.
NOW, That doesn't mean that some people aren't allergic to them. I have had one case where a commissioner got their suit and they found out after wearing it that they had an allergy to the resin that caused a rash. While it is highly unlikely I will see this gain it CAN happen.
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Ah I see. Thank you for the information! I've been thinking about someday getting a fursuit when I can afford it and I'd like to gather as much information as possible before I invest in it.
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Huzzah! I think you've a very good message here. Safety first indeed! And it's something to appreciate when a maker creates a piece you purchase. It's not just hard work, it's careful work too!
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I know that several years ago, many people got themselves sick, by using florist's foam (that thick, dark green, moldable foam florists use in flower arrangements. They would use it in the heads, and over time, it would break down causing gasses to be released.. Fursuiters were fainting, vomiting, and fainting from gas exposure. people should always study materials used, and practice extra careful safety guidelines when creating.
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O.O OMG I never heard about that... I can't even imagine using that stuff. It breaks down and becomes toxic powder and is used in floral arrangements cause it HOLDS WATER. Wow....I'm glad that doesn't happen anymore!
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<3 Stay healthy bebies!
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