From an Imron activator MSDS
Inhalation:

May cause nose and throat irritation. May cause nervous system

depression, characterized by the following progressive steps: headache,

dizziness, nausea, staggering gait, confusion, unconsciousness. Reports

have associated repeated and prolonged overexposure to solvents with

permanent brain and nervous system damage. If this product contains or

is mixed with an isocyanate activator/hardener, the following health effects

may apply: Exposure to isocyanates may cause respiratory sensitization.

This effect may be permanent. Symptoms include an asthma-like reaction

with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough or permanent lung

sensitization. This effect may be delayed for several hours after exposure.

Repeated overexposure to isocyanates may cause a decrease in lung

function, which may be permanent. Individuals with lung or breathing

problems or prior reactions to isocyanates must not be exposed to vapors

or spray mist of this product.

....

Respiratory protection

Do not breathe vapors or mists. If this product contains isocyanates or is

used with an isocyanate activator/hardener, wear a positive-pressure,

supplied-air respirator (NIOSH approved TC-19C) while mixing

activator/hardener with paint, during application and until all vapors and

spray mist are exhausted. If product does not contain or is not mixed with

an isocyanate activator/hardener, a properly fitted air-purifying respirator

with organic vapor cartridges (NIOSH TC-23C) and particulate filter

(NIOSH TC-84A) may be used. Follow respirator manufacturer's directions

for respirator use. Do not permit anyone without protection in the painting

area. Individuals with history of lung or breathing problems or prior

reaction to isocyanates should not use or be exposed vapor or spray mist if

product contains or is mixed with isocyanate activators/hardeners.

....

Some of us value our brain cells.





"Joe Bleau" wrote in message ...
On Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:20:40 -0400, "Jim Conlin"
wrote:

The linear polyurethane (LPU) paints such as Imron, Awlgrip and Perfection
contain cyanide compounds which are VERY TOXIC. These compounds cause brain,
liver and lung damage. When the paints are rolled or brushed, the nasty
stuff stays on the boat and only solvents get into the air. An organic
vapor respirator can deal with that. When the PAINTS are sprayed, an
aerosol of paint droplets, containing the nasty cyanide compounds, is in the
air. The only breathing apparatus which effectively protects the painter
are the 'supplied air' respirators. These start at about $1K. An ordinary
respirator won't do it.. DO NOT SPRAY LPU PAINTS WITHOUT ONE.


I ask for info on these paints and I get a lecture on safety instead
of a little help with my questions. I am aware of their toxicity and
I use equipment to protect myself. As an aside I might tell you that
countless boat yards and auto body shops in the United States and
other first-world countries thousands of gallons of this stuff without
"supplied air" respirators. A good fitting mask with the proper
cartridge is adequate for my purpose.

Tell me, Jim, isn't boating a bit dangerous for someone with your
safety concerns. After all, there are all sorts of dangers in going
around the water.

Additionally, if you want a "supplied-air" respirator you can find
plans all over the web to build one for less than $100. You don't
have to look for something with where prices "start at 1K."

Thanks, though for thinking about the safety of others.

Regards,

Joe