{"id":1536,"date":"2020-12-18T02:39:46","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T02:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/?p=1536"},"modified":"2021-01-09T12:07:39","modified_gmt":"2021-01-09T12:07:39","slug":"is-uv-resin-toxic-after-curing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/is-uv-resin-toxic-after-curing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is UV Resin Toxic After Curing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Many experts agree that UV resin is no longer toxic after curing, but some still argue that it remains toxic after curing. So our team set out to confirm the truth about the toxicity of UV resin after curing. We have compiled the result of our findings in this post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is UV resin toxic after curing? Resins become non-toxic when it cures fully. Resins cure fully when it becomes completely hardened, solid, and thoroughly washed. And as a result of this, it becomes an inert substance and no toxic leach can exude from it. Uncured UV resins are toxic because of their chemical properties. But when you cure resins, the chemical properties change. In this final stage, when the resin is fully cured, it is safe to touch it and place your items on it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before it fully cures, the resin is liquid-based and is very toxic, so you must take proper precautions to ensure your safety. <\/strong>However, there are still a few safety precautions you need to take even after curing resins. As you read on, we will explain these and a few other facts about the toxicity of cured vs. uncured resins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image by kalhh<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Is Cured UV Resin Toxic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cured resin is not toxic because its photo-polymerization is complete already and the plastic becomes inert. Firstly, this means that the resin material hardens and solidifies completely, so no toxic chemicals can leak from it anymore. This makes it safe for the skin. Secondly, since every molecule in the resin has reacted with nothing left behind, no more fumes or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can come off it and cause air pollution or irritation. This makes cured resins safe for the eyes and lungs. Unlike uncured resins, cured resins will not cause any respiratory distress.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that cured resin can safely come in contact with your skin. But then, some manufacturers add substances, like extenders, to their 3D parts and these could be toxic. But uncured resin, without any toxic additive, is not toxic. That\u2019s why experts advise curing resins before disposing of them. That way, you are sure that you\u2019re not polluting the environment and ecosystem with a toxic substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Cured Resin Hazardous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some experts have claimed that cured resins could still be hazardous. This means that although it will not cause death when living organisms come in contact with, absorb, or ingest it. But then, they can still cause some hazards, such as allergic reactions, for those who have allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Cured Resin Safe for Your Skin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing to worry about if you have no allergies. You can use jewelry made with resins without any issues so long as it\u2019s fully cured. There are many fashionable wearables, including jewelry and rings, made with resins. These wearables can be in constant touch with your skin with no issues so long as you have no allergies and it\u2019s fully cured. But if the resin part is not fully cured or you have allergies, there may be skin irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Eat From Cured Resin?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all resins are approved for direct food contact by the FDA. But for the most part, fully cured resins should be safe to eat from if there is no other toxic or hazardous additive. This notwithstanding, you should not eat from any resin plate or material if it is not approved for direct food contact by the FDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FDA has thorough regulations<\/a> that manufacturers must comply with before food contact approval can be given. In the end, you must realize that not all resin parts are made for food contact. So you must look for specific brands that are compliant with the standards of the FDA for food contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Cured Resin Become Toxic Again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cured resin cannot become toxic again. But if it breaks down, it can release toxic leaches into the environment. Experts say that resin can over-cure<\/a> due to extended exposure to UV light, which would break down the plastic. This, in itself, is not toxic but it can cause the plastic to melt or become brittle and release toxic substances into the environment. As such, you should try, as much as possible, to keep your resin 3D parts away from intense, direct sunlight for an extended time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major concern with the toxic effects of resin breakdown is not about the resin materials in use. It\u2019s with those that have been disposed of. You should always dispose of resin material in the designated area for organic waste by your local authorities. You can also allow a waste management service to help you handle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Video – 3D Printing: Safe Way of Disposing Resin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re confused about how to dispose of your excess resin after printing, you should watch this video. To start with, you will learn more about hazardous wastes in general and the dangerous effects they could have. That way, you will understand why it\u2019s important to dispose of every organic waste, including resins, properly. And then, you will see the possible solutions to the problem of resin disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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