From: Cougarjack@aol.com
Date: Tue Feb 19 2002 - 12:12:57 PST
In a message dated Tue, 19 Feb 2002 1:02:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, wwd@netheaven.com writes:
> >about the dangers of
> >CARC paint (we all know that you should never breathe it when you apply
> >it or sand it or you will die).
>
> I always love a good solid categorical statement, esp with the implied
> personal challenge. But, hey, it isn't called CARC ('carcinogenic') for
> nothing!
>
> Bill
Bill and listers,
Although we have dealt with this topic before, allow me to rehash the hazards as they really are.
CARC, or Chemical Agent Resistive Coating,(the acronym has nothing to do with Carcinogenic) is a urethane based coating similar to DuPont Imron. (firetruck paint) The military uses it because it sheds chemical agents, without significant penetration. Thus, it is easily decontaminated after exposure to such agents.
Urethane coatings have been around for 30 years or more. The toxicity occurs while in the mist or liquid state, during application. You must have good breathing gear to apply urethanes. There are actually TWO dangers here. One of course is that the mix is toxic in and of itself. The other, less well known, is that inspiration into the lungs is followed by the stuff curing in place, causing a gross consolidation of plastic in the lungs.That is, once the stuff is mixed, it cures chemically, wherever is may be at the time. It doesn't take an expert to see why this is a bad thing. However, once the stuff is cured, it takes on the form of inert plastic. It is not then poisonous to touch, and you could probably eat it. The next danger comes when Carc is removed. Assuming traditional removal methods, Carc is still an inert plastic. This means that whatever dust or particles you might breathe in to your lungs are going to remain there for life. Some things that we accidentally breathe in are broken down by the bod
y, being more or less organic in nature. However, Carc does not break down. It's the gift that keeps on giving. As with any airborn particulate, the finer particles are the ones which do the most damage. Sanding or grinding ANY coating or paint causes a storm of dust and fine particles to become airborn. The coarse ones get trapped by the nose and sinuses, while the finer ones get sucked deep down into the lungs. Since the carc is inert, meaning that it will not react with anything, the body cannot eject it. Once your lungs are filled with it, say Good Night Gracie.
Using an approved respirator or outside air supply while using Carc will protect you from the fumes while applying, and also the inspiration of significant amounts of the yet to cure liquid. When removing Carc, be sure to use the best particle trapping respirator that you can find.
The fear surrounding Carc seems to be connected with the incorrect inferrence that it somehow chemically counteracts the chemical agents, and thus is toxic during its service life. This is not true, and it is precisely because it will not react that it is valuable.
I hope this clarifies the issue for all. If you're going to use Carc, talk to a local body shop and find out how they protect themselves when shooting urethane coatings.
Cheers!
Jack
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