Health dangers in removing blade coatings

[doggyknife]

With all the recent talk about removing blade coatings, I started thinking if there might be some "hidden" dangers during the process of removing the coating from knives. Most recently, I've removed the black epoxy powder coating from some of my knives using various grits of sand paper in a well ventilated area. Considering that the epoxy coating came off as a relatively fine powder, I began thinking about possible danger from breathing any resulting particulate matter.
Pretty much any particulate matter will do something to you, even certain types of carpet have carcinogenic properties. Does anybody have any thoughts about this subject?

 

[Ben E Hana]

The world is a very dangerous place.You buy a ticket you take your chances.protection is always a good idea.

troy

 

[Jeff Clark]

I'm not aware of any cancer hazards from epoxy. You might have an allergic reaction if you have become sensitized to epoxy from using the components a lot. If you got it in your airways in that case you could have something like an asthma attack.

I would be more concerned about exotic metal particals. As I recall, things like chromates can be a hazard.

 

[doggyknife]

I know some metallic particles(possibly chromates), when breathed, can cause serious health problems. I remember metal shop in Jr. High - cramped, no ventilation, no resiratory mask protection, metallic "dust" flying everywhere. I could literally shake the "steel" off clothing after each class. UGH! sucks.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

I always -- always! -- use a respirator when sanding woods, or anything with any kinds of chemicals in them. You guys are plain nuts if you don't do the same.

Regarding epoxy, I remember reading somewhere that if you "smoke" the epoxy, the resulting smoke is extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, I don'te have a cite, so take this with a grain of salt.

Goggles and a respirator really are not big deal to wear, you get used to them. Your health is worth it, big-time.

Joe