Posted by Dave on October 05, 2005 at 22:28:15:
In Reply to: Try it on something unimportant. posted by Chuck Tribolet on October 04, 2005 at 16:50:08:
Cotol is meant primarily as a urethane cure accelerator as it makes the base urethane glue more viscous and more aromatically volatile. Contact cement is already highly volatile, so I am not sure how making it more aromatic via thinners will accelerate the cure time. Cotol costs a small fortune per volume whereas Cotol is just toluene,(methylbenzene) available at most better hardware stores for remarkably less money. Health effects Dysfunction of the central nervous system is the primary human health concern resulting from exposure to toluene. Toluene can affect humans when breathed in or passed through the skin. Exposure may result from glue sniffing, solvent abuse, or industrial accidents. Toluene may cause mutations in living cells; there is insufficient data on its carcinogenic potential. It may damage a developing fetus. Short-term exposure to low to moderate concentrations of toluene, such as in the workplace, can produce fatigue, confusion, general weakness, drunken actions, memory loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of toluene first results in lightheadedness and euphoria, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and, in some cases, death as a result of inability to breathe. Potential effects of long-term exposure to low to moderate concentrations of toluene are uncertain. Longterm exposure to high concentrations is associated with permanent brain damage, and bone marrow damage, causing low blood cell counts. Effects such as impaired speech, vision and hearing, loss of muscle control, and loss of memory and balance have been reported after such exposures. Asthmatics, individuals with other respiratory difficulties or cardiovascular disease, and the elderly may be at increased risk from exposure to toluene. Cigarette smokers and chronic alcohol drinkers may also be at increased risk.
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