Letters to the Editor
(The following letter, dated December 10, 1990, was directed to editors of model airplane magazines. We print it here in the hope that it may dispel a great deal of disinformation which is apparently "floating around" in the aeromodeling world.)
Facts About Cyanoacrylate Glue
Dear Editor:
A letter published in the Readers' Mail section of more than one model airplane publication contains major inaccuracies relative to the safety of cyanoacrylate adhesives. Research indicates these inaccuracies were the result of referencing chemicals other than those actually contained in cyanoacrylates. We believe they have misled your readers and have caused them undue concern by publishing this letter without further verifying the facts prior to printing the article.
Fact one: Cyanoacrylates are not carcinogenic. Many reputable sources and regulatory agencies continuously monitor the safety of cyanoacrylates. These sources hold cyanoacrylates to be noncarcinogenic. Internal and external experimental medical procedures currently use cyanoacrylates for sutureless surgery on eyes, livers, brains, gums, faces, etc. Since hobbyists have used these products in excess of 20 years, an article such as the one printed can be extremely alarming to the modeling public.
Fact two: Cyanoacrylates do not emit detectable levels of hydrogen cyanide gas when heated. Cyanoacrylates can be softened by heating to 300°F but produce no emissions. Continued heating to 1,000°F, which will burn the polymer, gives off the same basic fumes emitted by decomposition of other carbon-containing substances—wood or gasoline (a carcinogen). Such fumes—carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides—should be treated with the same respect as they may be harmful if inhaled.
We encourage you to consult with responsible manufacturers or experts in the appropriate fields of knowledge prior to printing information that may mislead your readers and be potentially damaging to suppliers of products or services in question.
/s/ Pacer Technology, FTE (Frank Tiano), House of Balsa, Robart Manufacturing
The High Cost of Hobbies: Help!
Dear Editor:
I wish something could be done about the high cost of being an AMA member. I can remember when it was $12 for a membership and $5 for a sticker and I paid my own insurance. I would love to be an AMA member, but it is hard to fork out $40 when I don't even compete in contests (or any other) events. I don't care what rules are in effect except the ones I need to know about. Besides, I would rather deal with my own insurance agent than with someone I don't know.
Also, I run gas-powered boats and cars, so you know when I get done paying for ROAR, IMPBA, AMA, and club dues I've got over $300 invested. This is ridiculous. I think it's time all you people start getting your heads together and start thinking.
RMcM.
I can sympathize with Mr. Zollars' sentiments about the cost—but I think both of us still haven't gotten the "new prices" straight in our heads. Inflation has been so great in the last 30 years that we have lost our "anchor" on what things are worth. I bought a clean three-year-old 1968 Valiant for $1,400. It sold new for about $1,800. To get a new car of equal (hah!) size and comfort today, I'd have to spend about $11,000! Let's see, that's about 600% inflation! That is about the same as $6.67 in 1968 dollars and you get a year's subscription to this magazine to boot! What a bargain!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
