There really isn't a lot of information on the toxicity of 100% silicone caulk because it's such a commonly used material, but my experience with it and this information here by a furniture maker on Livejournal is enough to convince me.
When I used it, I started feeling dizzy, high, had irritated eyes and a sore throat instantly. I was wearing a mask and was in my dad's construction work room which is made to be ventilated and yet I was still feeling it.
Not only that, but the other people living with me had to endure the smell that permeated the rooms way beyond my work area.
In conclusion, this kind of boring post is essential before my decoden adventure launches because, yes, I am aware that latex caulk is less sturdy. However, no, I am not willing to sacrifice health for that.
"hi I'm a furniture maker. I joined this community recently, and it concerns me that you guys are using silicone glue in exposed or unsafe conditions. TAFE (college chain in Australia) students are actually banned from using silicone glues nowadays because they're highly toxic when in use, including only breathing this product in.
The glues are only considered non-toxic when dry and covered/unbroken. In a wet state, or in the process of curing, or in the case the dry glue starts to flake apart, it's toxic and an irritant to skin, eyes, etc.
You might not find much research or documentation on the dangers of silicone products, as it's one of those things that are used too much in production of many items, and in many forms (chemically speaking), and would cause a great deal of issue to remove it from production altogether until the research is complete, but evidence of the dangers are definitely being uncovered.
Please, for your safety, if you insist on using it, wear a breathing mask and cover any skin that might come into contact with the glue when using silicone glues and products, and always heed the warning label.
Read below if you want more specific info, otherwise just skip the rest. :]
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On silicone adhesives. Note: this is only one once-time contact or exposure, repeated contact or exposure could have worse consequences, such as long-term damage to your eyes, skin, breathing capacities.
VI. HEALTH HAZARD AND PROTECTION DATA (By-product: Acetic Acid)
This material releases acetic acid until moisture curing is complete.
A. Personal Protection Recommended:
Wear impervious gloves and protective clothing as required to prevent skin contact.
Wear protective goggles to prevent eye contact.
An eyewash and safety shower should be nearby and ready for use.
B. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
1. Inhalation: Moderately toxic. Severe mucous membrane irritant.
2. Eye Contact: Severe eye irritant.
3. Skin Contact: Severe skin irritant
4. Ingestion: Moderately toxic.
5. Chronic Effects of Exposure: May cause bronchitis and pharyngeal edema. Acetic acid may cause burns upon prolonged or repeated contact. Skin sensitization may occur.
C. First Aid for Exposure:
1. Eye contact: Immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open and lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Get immediate medical attention.
2. Skin contact: Immediately remove excess material from the skin with a waterless skin cleaner. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists after washing. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and wash before reuse.
3. Ingestion: Not applicable. Dilute acetic acid is approved for food use.
4. Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Give artificial respiration if not breathing. Get immediate medical attention.
5. Carcinogenicity: This material is not considered to be a carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
D. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: No data is available."
You can find the full thread here.
Thank you for your time!
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