A number of my safety and health colleagues are also boaters, and when we meet the conversation often winds to points where these interests cross, such as the ergonomics of paddling, or the toxicity of building materials. So I was expecting a quick and conclusive reply recently, when I asked an industrial hygienist contact which types of protective gloves to use when working with epoxy resins and hardeners. His guarded response was less than satisfying, and set off a search which, like under-catalyzed resin in a cold Minnesota garage, has yet to fully yield something solid and usable.
Boatbuilders expose themselves to certain hazards.
Some safety hazards, such as the use of hand and power tools, are common to general woodworking and are easily recognizable. In addition to inhaling solvent vapors, as noted in the MCA builder's manual, some chemicals can be absorbed directly through the skin, with possible short term reactions and unknown long term consequences. Epoxies, specifically, are known to cause allergic reactions in some people on contact, and when airborne concentrations of resin components or uncured sandingdust is inhaled. Some people develop these allergies over time through a process known as 'sensitization'. Once sensitized, the individual may experience increasingly severe reactions, so prevention is prudent, especially if one wants to build additional boats.