As popular as epoxy flooring may be for flooring and other commercial uses, its hazards to human health outweigh any benefits by a large margin. Before hiring a flooring specialist that utilizes this substance, it is prudent to fully understand the risks, including:
- Respiratory Damage: Inhaling epoxy fumes or dust can create long-lasting negative impacts on the human respiratory system. Because they attach themselves to the mucus lining, ingesting epoxy particles often leads to inflammation and irritation of the throat, nose, and lungs. When frequently exposed to large quantities of the chemical, the chances of developing asthma and sensitization are greatly increased.
- Sensitization: In many cases, exposure to epoxy can lead to the development of an epoxy allergy, an effect also called “sensitization.” Unfortunately, this outcome is possible regardless of the frequency or duration in which a person inhales the substance. Once sensitization occurs, allergic reactions can occur from even the most miniscule amount of epoxy, making it incredibly dangerous to be around. On top of that, there is no known cure for the allergy.
- Asthma: Aside from the possibility of developing allergies from epoxy, it is also common to experience asthma, whether it is a brand new issue or an exacerbation of an existing condition. Those who suffer from epoxy-caused asthma often encounter symptoms including difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and tightness of the chest.
- Dermatitis: If your bare skin comes into direct contact with epoxy, it is possible that you will experience dermatitis, which is most easily recognized by blistering, itching, and swelling. In extreme cases, epoxy-caused dermatitis can lead to long-term skin conditions, such as eczema.
- Chemical Burns: Because epoxy is a corrosive substance, it can cause burns on human skin. Most often, these chemical burns initially seem rather mild and innocuous, only to gradually worsen over time, leaving discoloration and scarring in its wake. To make matters worse, epoxy is often very fast-drying, so once it touches the skin, it can be very difficult to remove.
Contrary to popular belief, epoxy is not only dangerous in its uncured dust or fume state. Even after the two-week-long process of curing, epoxy still emits airborne particles that can negatively impact anyone within proximity.
For all of these reasons, My Affordable Flooring LLC. strongly discourages our loyal customer base from choosing epoxy for their flooring systems. Luckily, we offer epoxy-free alternatives that provide all of the same benefits without the toxic byproducts. For a wide selection of greener flooring options and outstanding customer service, get in touch with My Affordable Flooring LLC. today! You can receive your free, no obligation estimate by calling 262-653-1120 or filling out our online contact form.
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