Safety Comes First
John Preston
CYANOACRYLATE ALLERGY
The October 1985 Safety column in Model Aviation was devoted to allergic reactions some modelers experienced when using cyanoacrylate (CyA) glue. To the best of my knowledge, fumes emitted as CyA cures do not cause permanent health problems, but they can cause asthma and acute skin irritation in some people. A recent letter from Bill Fike of Bloomington, IL, describes a reaction that may be related.
Bill's letter (edited for clarity):
"I requested two articles from the Academy of Model Aeronautics concerning allergic effects of cyanoacrylate glue. I read both with much interest since I now suffer from a form of dermatitis called dermatographism.
"About three years ago I began having asthma-type attacks for no apparent reason. My doctor said I was allergic to something and prescribed a tablet to be taken once an attack started. The attacks subsided after about six months, and I stopped carrying the medication.
"In July 1985, while building a new .15/.500 type aircraft, I again suffered an asthma-type attack and finally determined I was allergic to cyanoacrylate glue. I continued to use CyA, but very frugally and only in well-ventilated areas. I experienced minor symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes after using CyA.
"In February of this year I was diagnosed with dermatographism — I would itch all over and develop hive-like welts from a minor scratch, bump, or even a strong handshake. After learning of a possible link between CyA and hives, I contacted AMA Headquarters and received the two articles I had requested.
"My question is: Is my dermatographism a long-term reaction caused by my limited use of CyA, or am I allergic to something else? My doctor is unsure of the cause. If CyA is the catalyst and this is a long-term reaction, others should be informed."
Bill later wrote that he no longer needs to take hydroxyzine daily to relieve the itching, but his skin remains sensitive. He no longer uses CyA glue.
If any readers have information regarding dermatographism as a symptom of cyanoacrylate glue use, please write c/o Model Aviation or contact Bill directly:
- William C. Fike Jr.
804 Broadmoor Dr. Bloomington, IL 61701
If you did not see the October Safety column on CyA and would like a copy, contact Model Aviation and include a SASE; I will forward a copy.
Epoxy reaction
As with cyanoacrylate glue, some people experience health problems when using epoxies. Most often the amine hardener component of epoxy glues or paints causes skin irritation. A letter from Graham Hicks of La Grande, OR, warns against a tip that appeared in a November 1986 issue of another model magazine suggesting warming epoxy in a microwave to make it easier to spread.
Graham's experience:
"About eight years ago I did the same thing. I set the microwave oven to 'one minute' and turned it on. In less than thirty seconds I found myself unable to think clearly, losing my balance, and about to pass out. I hit the 'stop' button and staggered out to fresh air. I became violently ill and suffered an excruciating headache for the rest of the day. A doctor subsequently told me that certain types of epoxies, when heated in this manner, give off extremely toxic fumes that, like carbon monoxide, give little or no warning before it's too late."
I was unable to find a definitive, reputable source to verify Graham's statement, so consider this a caution: do not microwave epoxy. If any readers have authoritative information on fumes given off by heated epoxies, please let me know.
More on prop accidents
While visiting AMA Headquarters to see new museum displays, I learned of a near-miss reported by Howard Crispin (Dist. IV AMA V.P.) in his "Sound" column. Howard's account, which follows, illustrates how easily a prop-related incident can cause serious injury.
Howard Crispin's incident:
On Labor Day I went to the local flying field to run equipment on a break-down stand with a .61 engine mounted. After running the engine and walking out to take a sound reading, I turned back toward the engine and saw the prop rotate. I was about 3½ to 4 feet from the engine and slightly to the rear when I was struck in the head.
I had trouble seeing and felt a slight pain above my left eye with fluid present. I discovered a hole in my prescription safety-glass sunglasses that had been on my hat. In the car mirror I could see a top piece of glass stuck in the inside corner of my eye. I went to the emergency room; a small piece of glass was removed and I had a superficial corneal scratch. I was treated with antibiotic ointment and advised to have the eye rechecked. The next day the eye was much improved and vision is now OK.
Another reader's letter (Raymond) describes a ground-running accident:
A model powered by a "pretty tight" engine was run on the ground before first flight. Bystanders left while one club member suggested securing the stabilizer with a field box and a gallon fuel bottle and leaving the engine running. Vibration worked the fuel bottle loose, the model got away, and the owner tried to stop it with his leg. Even through a heavy layer of fabric, the sharp prop cut a couple of inches down to the bone. The prop did not break. Lesson: good intentions aren't always enough — work at safety full time.
Dr. Stewart Willoughby (Bolingbrook, IL) also sent a caution about a device marketed to restore two broken wooden props into one serviceable, rebalanced prop using a gauge and slow-cure epoxy. The flyer notes that half the thickness of each prop hub is retained and concludes with a disclaimer accepting no responsibility for the restored product. I suggest spending money on new, one-piece propellers; in the long run you'll likely save money and reduce risk.
Have a safe month.
John Preston c/o Model Aviation 1810 Samuel Morse Dr. Reston, VA 22090
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
