modelcars87 Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 I was recently hospitalized as I got sick from testors red tube glue (fumes) and spent some time in the ER and a nearly two month recovery (still am recovering a bit, though much better now than I was). Anyways, just wondering if there are any alternatives to the toxic glues? I've tried weldbond, but it doesn't really work too well. It seems all of the non toxic ones just don't really hold strong. I also tried the testors non-toxic but it doesn't hold as well either. I've been making sure to check the MSDS sheets for any glue, and most have some type of warning with them. Would there happen to be any safe alternatives out there? Is tacky glue any good for holding a model car together? Trying to use the toxic glues is not an option for me as I have pretty much been told by the doctors "stay away from them, and if you work at a job that uses them - quit and find a new job". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Unfortunately, pretty much any glue that actually works, whether "model glue," super glue, epoxy, or liquid cement, will have toxic chemicals in it. That's why they work! If a glue is labeled as "non-toxic," you can pretty much bet that it won't work on styrene plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 I remember years ago trying to assemble a model with the No-tox glue they had. Was it Testors ? Anyway, it was darn near impossible to put a model together using that junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelcars87 Posted June 8, 2014 Author Share Posted June 8, 2014 I remember years ago trying to assemble a model with the No-tox glue they had. Was it Testors ? Anyway, it was darn near impossible to put a model together using that junk. I agree. I tried using the stuff and when I was building a kit, it just didn't stick. It took a really long time too. It was hard to use. I tried using weldbond, but it just didn't work either. Is there a safe epoxy out there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Just wondering if you glued things in a paint both if it would help. This would just have a fan that pulls away the bad fumes better than in a room. Is it the fumes you have a problem with or is it the glue on your hands. I think you may have to find a new hobby . Epoxy has more fumes to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelcars87 Posted June 8, 2014 Author Share Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) Just wondering if you glued things in a paint both if it would help. This would just have a fan that pulls away the bad fumes better than in a room. Is it the fumes you have a problem with or is it the glue on your hands. I think you may have to find a new hobby . Epoxy has more fumes to me. Well, there is gundam figures/ snap kits that don't require glue that you can paint, but I still prefer model cars (don't get me wrong, the gundam/figure kits are a good alternative for me, so I do enjoy those. Also, I'm really into a lot of the star wars kits, and those are either snap or require a small amount of glue that non-toxic kinds can hold. but I really liked the model cars. Just wondering if there's any glue out there I can use that's safe. Fortunately for me, lucky to be alive so can't play around with the dices again by trying the glue again in different circumstances, so won't be able to use any of the toxic glues. Also it was the fumes that made me ill and sent me to the ER Edited June 8, 2014 by modelcars87 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 I agree with Andy. If the glue fumes affect you that much, you're not going to find a suitable alternative. It's either snap kits only, or a different hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High octane Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Or maybe you could just use masking tape, no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my80malibu Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) If your inhaling fumes.Could you use a respirator. Edited June 9, 2014 by my80malibu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil55 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 i use glue in an outside well ventilated room with a low speed fan running then place the parts into a food dehydrator to dry never have any problems with fumes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnU Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I would assume paints would bother you too. Just wear an effective respirator while working on your models if you want them to stay together! Edited June 9, 2014 by JohnU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genesis Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 You aren't supposed to eat the glue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelcars87 Posted June 9, 2014 Author Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) I would assume paints would bother you too. Just wear an effective respirator while working on your models if you want them to stay together! Actually, don't really have any issues with those, though I have become more mindful of those and read the MSDS so I switched brands. In a way, this was a good thing. It gives me the opportunity to look into exactly what I am working with and I am able to take precautionary measures to protect myself (MSDS) before I before anything. And, I'm no longer doing damage to my body as a result of using glue. I saw the poison signs, and warning labels, but really I didn't think much of and I used the stuff for a while without any issues until one day I felt like I was going to collapse and die and was sent to the ER uncontrollably shaking unable to comprehend much of anything. On the opposite side, can't really use any of the stuff I was using that got me sick which stinks because the testors red tube was the best. It held everything together fine, it was quick, no waiting time or nothing. Edited June 9, 2014 by modelcars87 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 What about good old super glue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Handley Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 What about good old super glue? There are foam safe CA's, those are also supposed to be good for folks that are allergic to the stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumi Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) How about limonene glue? Supposed to be made with citrus extract and non-toxic, but you will need to double check the label.http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/87113limonene_cement/index.htmhttp://www.tamiya.com/english/products/87134limonene_cement/index.htmI have not tried the ones from Tamiya or Mr. Hobby, but the one from Sirius/Tristar works well enough for me. Edited June 9, 2014 by fumi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=5877 Here is a review for a nontoxic Tamiya glue . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinfan5 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) Having proper ventilation when using toxic chemicals is a must. Edited June 9, 2014 by martinfan5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaronw Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Are you sensitive to the specific chemical used in the Testors red tube or it is a general chemical sensitivity? (BTW always thought the tube was orange ) Looks like Testors uses Toluene and mustard oil as the main ingredients. I primarily use Plastruct Bondene which uses Methylene Chloride and Methyl Acetate, some model glues are based on Methyl Ethyl Ketone. All model glues are likely going to include hazardous chemicals but maybe there is something out there that won't have the same kind of impact on your body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruleworld Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 What about good old super glue? Cyano is pretty bad stuff, even the vapours from it will sting your eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Well, there is gundam figures/ snap kits that don't require glue that you can paint, but I still prefer model cars (don't get me wrong, the gundam/figure kits are a good alternative for me, so I do enjoy those. Also, I'm really into a lot of the star wars kits, and those are either snap or require a small amount of glue that non-toxic kinds can hold. but I really liked the model cars. Just wondering if there's any glue out there I can use that's safe. Fortunately for me, lucky to be alive so can't play around with the dices again by trying the glue again in different circumstances, so won't be able to use any of the toxic glues. Also it was the fumes that made me ill and sent me to the ER If Testors orange tube glue made you sick then paint will also unless your brushing acrylic. I can hardly smell the orange tube glue. You may have to find another or build snap kits. Paint may not bee good for you if its acrylic, better ask your doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie8575 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 The mustard in the tube glue is a clue. Mustard oil is kissin' cousin to mustard gas, and anyone who's studied warfare or history broadly speaking, knows what that can cause. Mustard gas/oil can cause all kinds of respiratory problems, and some people are especially sensitive. As suggested elsewhere.... VENTILATE! And I'd suggest trying other glues. Testors liquid cement does not have mustard in it, as I recall, and works well. Nor does Tamiya. Testors clear parts cement has a solvent that seems to hold fairly well, and doesn't stink too badly. I'm not sure what's in it, though. Tenax is very strong, and the fumes might bother you. Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation. If you are that sensative, a respirator and a fan blowing will help alot. Exactly. ALL solvent glues have a "use adequate ventilation" warning, and if you were "uncontrollably shaking" as you say, you must have got a massive dose of the stuff, unless you're hyper-sensitive. Adequate ventilation means, to me..."if you can smell it, AT ALL, you need more ventilation". Concentrating the vapors in a bag and inhaling is the glue-sniffer's trick, idiotic, and apparently you got an inadvertent glue-high. Some applied common sense is necessary when using ANY chemical, weather it's Clorox, ammonia cleaners, or even Windex. THINK. Maybe even only work OUTSIDE, because a respirator and a fan blowing in a CLOSED room will still allow the vapor concentration to build up in the room over time. CA adhesives (superglue) have a chemical that can cause INSTANT sensitization in some people, and lead to long term respiratory problems. SOME epoxies also are known to cause chemical sensitization in SOME people after repeated exposure. Maybe wooden models like ships or aircraft would be a safer alternative for you if you have interest in those subjects. Wood models can be built with water-soluble PVA glues which are very low in toxicity. Edited June 9, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Barrow Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 The mustard in the tube glue is a clue. Mustard oil is kissin' cousin to mustard gas, and anyone who's studied warfare or history broadly speaking, knows what that can cause. Mustard gas/oil can cause all kinds of respiratory problems, and some people are especially sensitive. As suggested elsewhere.... VENTILATE! And I'd suggest trying other glues. Testors liquid cement does not have mustard in it, as I recall, and works well. Nor does Tamiya. Testors clear parts cement has a solvent that seems to hold fairly well, and doesn't stink too badly. I'm not sure what's in it, though. Tenax is very strong, and the fumes might bother you. Charlie Larkin "Mustard gas" isn't made from actual mustard, it was just named that because the odor resembled that of mustard plants. The mustard oil in Testors tube glue is an additive that causes watering in the mucous membranes, the idea is to discourage glue sniffers by making it so uncomfortable you can't do it long enough to get a high. I've tried Microscale's Micro-Weld Non-Toxic glue and Plastruct's Weldene, both work, but dry more slowly than other liquid cements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I've tried Microscale's Micro-Weld Non-Toxic glue and Plastruct's Weldene, both work, but dry more slowly than other liquid cements. I assume that since they're non-toxic, they don't actually melt and "weld" the plastic together, but just stay on the surface. So how strong is the bond? Comparable to "regular" liquid cement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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