The long and the short if it is; Great product but be very careful with the fumes. People can become sensitive to them just as with epoxy and once that happens each exposure tends to have stronger and stronger adverse reactions.
Superglue - Synthetic Glue
Superglue or Krazy Glue is a substance called cyanoacrylate that was discovered by Dr. Harry Coover while working for Kodak Research Laboratories to develop an optically clear plastic for gunsights in 1942. Coover rejected cyanoacrylate because it was too sticky.
In 1951, cyanoacrylate was rediscovered by Coover and Dr Fred Joyner. Coover was now supervising research at the Eastman Company in Tennessee. Coover and Joyner were researching a heat-resistant acrylate polymer for jet canopies when Joyner spread a film of ethyl cyanoacrylate between refractometer prisms and discovered that the prisms were glued together.
Coover finally realized that cyanoacrylate was a useful product and in 1958 the Eastman compound #910 was marketed and later packaged as superglue.
It also has a long history in the medical field for wound closure.
Borrowed Text from Surelok's Superglue web site.
LIQUID EFFECTS:
EYE CONTACT: Cyanoacrylate adhesives are eye irritants and tissue bonders. Therefore, care, including the use of goggles, should be taken to prevent eye contact. In the event of eye contact, the eyes should be copiously flushed with water and medical aid sought immediately. If eyelids are bonded closed, only a qualified physician should attempt to separate them. In case of bonding corneal surface, forced separation is not recommended. Allow the eye to remain closed and the bond to separate naturally, which generally will occur within a few days.
SKIN CONTACT: Cyanoacrylate adhesives, while relatively non-toxic, are mild irritants to the skin. The Acute Dermal LD50 is >2000 mg/kg. However, strong bonds will quickly form between adjacent skin surfaces, e.g. fingers. These may be separated relatively easily by soaking the bonded area in warm, soapy water for several minutes and then gently peeling the bond. Alternatively, a dull instrument such as a thin wire or a table knife can be forced through the bond. With appropriate caution, solvents such as acetone or nail polish remover can be used effectively.
When skin contact is over a large area, the area should be flushed with large amounts of water. A soaking wet cloth can be used to wipe off excess adhesive. If the adhesive has soaked through clothing, flush the involved area with water. If the cloth has bonded to the skin, the removal of the bonded clothing without these precautions might result in skin damage. Cured adhesive will flake from the skin within a day or so or can be removed by treatment or by soaking with hot, soapy water.
ORAL CONTACT: Cyanoacrylates are relatively non-toxic materials (Acute Oral LD50 >5000 mg/kg). However, rapid polymerization (hardening) of the adhesive will take place in contact with the surfaces of the mouth. The mouth should be flushed copiously with water and medical aid should be sought immediately. Lips, if bonded, can be gently peeled apart, preferably with the aid of hot water or solvent.
VAPOR EFFECTS:
EYES: Alkyl cyanoacrylate vapors are lachrymatory (tear producing) and can cause eye irritation and tearing in poorly ventilated areas.
MUCOUS MEMBRANES: Mucous surfaces can become irritated by prolonged exposure to cyanoacrylate vapors in poorly ventilated areas. Vapor irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes will be most noticeable under conditions of low relative humidity.
VAPOR CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS:
* Use adequate ventilation. Remove adhesive vapors with suitable exhaust ducting. Since cyanoacrylate vapors are heavier than air, place exhaust intake below work area. Activated charcoal filters using an acidic charcoal have been found effective in removing vapors from effluent air.
* Avoid use of excess adhesive. Excess adhesive outside of bond area will increase level of vapors.
* Assemble parts as quickly as possible. Long open times will increase level of vapors.
VII. PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE:
Health hazard rating is 2, Slightly hazardous. Fire hazard is 2, Flash point above 100 ° F not exceeding 200. Reactivity rating is 1, Unstable if heated.
Provide adequate ventilation in area of usage. When possible this should be achieved by the use of local exhaust ventilation and good general ventilation. Vapors are heavier than air, therefore, downward ventilation should be used. When handling cyanoacrylate adhesives, goggles or safety glasses should always be worn. Polyethylene gloves should be used to protect the hands. CAUTION: Do not use rubber or cloth gloves. Rubber gloves will bond when brought in contact with the adhesive and porous cotton gloves will absorb the adhesive and bond the gloves to the skin.
Store in original container below 40° F for prolonged shelf life.
In the event of small spills, material may be wiped up with a soaking wet cloth and the area cleaned with solvent. When large quantities of cyanoacrylate adhesive are accidentally spilled, the area should be flooded with water which will cause the liquid cyanoacrylate to cure. The cured material can then be scraped from the surface. It may then be incinerated observing all State, Federal and local anti-pollution and waste disposal regulations.
VIII. CONTROL MEASURES:
Transport: This product is not regulated for shipping purposes.
Other: Respiratory protection is not normally necessary unless product is used in enclosed area of poor ventilation or individual has a history of chronic respiratory disease. Local exhaust is recommended. Protective gloves are recommended during use (See section VII above). Always wash hands thoroughly after use.
