Paraben Preservatives and Cosmetics - Controversy and Alternatives

Increasing concern for the safety of ingredients in cosmetics has brought some widely used cosmetic preservatives by the family name ‘paraben’ to center stage. Paraben preservatives are listed under multiple names and are used to preserve the majority of cosmetics on the market today, not only to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi but also to promote the abnormally long shelf-life of products. As with chemically preserved foods, paraben preserved cosmetics ensure that the cosmetic manufacturer can produce the product en masse and take comfort in a multi-year shelf life. Paraben preservatives have recently come into question with new studies that link the daily exposure of paraben preservatives to breast cancer and endocrine-disruption issues.

What Exactly are Paraben Preservatives?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives that have been in use since the 1920s as “broad-band” preservatives (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) which means that they work within a formula to prevent the growth of multiple possible contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, mold and fungi. They can be found in approximately 75-90 percent of cosmetics such as make-up, lotion, deodorants and shampoos. According to A Consumers Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, water is the only cosmetic ingredient used more frequently than paraben preservatives. (Winter, 2005) Paraben is the family name for the following permutations of the ingredient found on a common product ingredient label:

The Paraben Controversy Linked to Breast Cancer Though paraben preservatives only account for a very small percentage of a product’s actual formula they are quite potent. A study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004 expressed concern regarding the use of paraben preservatives. In the UK, researchers found traces of it in 19 out of 20 women with breast tumors. (Winter, 2005) Though the studies did not determine if the ingredient was the cause of the breast tumors, it did establish that pervasive use of this synthetic ingredient is biocumulative.Possible Endocrine Disruptors Paraben preservatives have also been identified as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating the body’s hormones. Paraben preservatives are believed to mimic the female hormone estrogen when introduced into the body. According to recent research, more than 60 percent of topically applied chemicals via cosmetics, lotions, etc. are absorbed by the skin and dispersed throughout the body by the bloodstream. Once absorbed into the body, paraben preservatives mimic the hormone estrogen and can disrupt the body’s normal hormonal balance. In the Archives of Toxicology (2002) , Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported that exposure of newborn male mammals to butylparaben “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.”

This artificial provocation and inflation of estrogen in the endocrine system has been linked to breast cancer in some women as well as the abnormal hormonal development of children including the hormonal “feminization of boys” which may influence the suspected link in decreasing testosterone levels and sperm count in the male reproductive system. It has also been hypothesized to contribute to the early maturation of girls at increasingly younger ages.

Do All Cosmetic Companies Use Paraben Preservatives?

Not all cosmetic companies use paraben preservatives and many are phasing out their use now that enough questions have been raised about their overall long term safety. New cosmetic companies, more focused on offering natural and organic products, have made their “no paraben” policy a platform issue. This means there are a wide variety of paraben-free products which are mostly now available for purchase in health food stores and on the internet.

With the increasing popularity of the natural and organic body care market more companies are jumping on the proverbial “natural” band wagon. With this additional commercial interest and the lack of FDA regulation around the word “natural” one must never rely solely on a company’s marketing and advertising claims and always read the ingredient label to confirm that an ingredient is truly not being used in the formula.

Alternative Preservative Systems

There are good reasons why paraben preservatives are the defacto cosmetic preservative. They are cheap and effective. However, safer and more natural alternatives are available. With formulas that contain certain organic (living) ingredients and/or water as an ingredient, a more aggressive non-paraben preservative must be used to ensure the stability of the formula. In general, the next best option is a synthetic preservative called Phenoxyethanol which has a synthetic chemical composition inspired by a natural anti-bacterial/anti-microbial chemical found in the sage plant. It’s easier to use a natural preservative in formulas that are basically inert (like most powder mineral cosmetics) or have an oil base and no water (like lipstick or liners). In products such as these, a plant extract or essential oil with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties such as grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract or tocopherol (vitamin E) is used as an effective preservative system. In any case, the manufacturer should perform proper stability testing to ensure that the product’s preservative system lasts.

Resources for the Risk Adverse

Much research and observation still needs to be done to ultimately determine the true long term safety and consequences of the wide spread use of paraben preservatives as a daily part of our skin regimen and subsequent absorption diet. The current studies questioning paraben preservatives fundamental safety and the current lack of FDA testing or regulation regarding cosmetics establish a good case for avoiding these questionable ingredients all together. An excellent resource to determine the overall safety of almost any personal care product is the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Cosmetic Database. This database culls world-wide collective scientific ingredient and cosmetic studies as well as governmental toxicity databases from around the world (examples US, EU, Japan, Korea) and gives a toxicity ranking based on this collective data. The online interface is easy to work with. One simply types in the name of a product/brand or an ingredient and the database will return all the relevant information about that query and its safety. The EWG’s database is a work in progress and is always being refined for further detail and clarity.

Conclusions

More comprehensive studies are needed to conclusively determine the true scope of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to paraben preservatives by way of the cosmetic ingredients we use every day. A serious effort to reassess the safety of these products must be undertaken by a non-biased group of researchers. To date, among the studies that have been done world-wide, paraben preservatives have been linked to breast cancer and have been labelled as a possible endocrine disruptor that might have specific damaging consequences for young children and those with ongoing exposure. Luckily, we have more options than ever before and can take ourselves out of the equation entirely by educating ourselves and opting for products that use different preservative systems and fewer questionable ingredients in general

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Preservatives | Comments Off 

Food Additives and Preservatives

Anything that doesn’t occur naturally in a particular food is considered an additive. Many of these substances occur naturally in one food but become additives when used in the manufacture of another food. You might find sodium propionate in the list of ingredients in a loaf of bread, but if you buy Swiss cheese, you’ll be eating ten times as much sodium propionate. It won’t be listed on the label, because it is a natural component of the cheese.

Why are additives put in food?

They have a variety of functions. Additives are used to replace nutrients lost in processing (for example, all white flour must have thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate put in to replace what is lost when the wheat germ is removed), or to add nutrients (i.e., vitamins in breakfast cereals). Some additives are used as preservatives to retard spoilage, such as BHA and BHT, or antioxidants that keep fat from turning rancid. Others are used to improve the texture or consistency by making the product thicker, smoother, or more free-flowing, or to keep ingredients from separating. Flavorings and colorings are considered additives, whether they are the relatively benign spices, salt and pepper, or the ominous-sounding “artificial flavors”, dyes and bleaches.

Should you try to avoid additives?

Not unless you have identified a specific allergy or sensitivity. Many people believe they are sensitive to MSG, and you can avoid it if you wish. Most additives are used in such small amounts that they have no significance in your diet unless you consume huge quantities of a single food.

You should be more concerned about what’s taken out of your food than what’s added in. “Enriched” means vitamins, minerals, other nutrients and fiber were been removed during processing, and what is added back may be only a small part of what was taken away. When fiber is removed, you are the loser. Extracted oils give you lots of calories and little of the nutrients that were in the original plants.

If your diet consists primarily of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, you don’t give food processors the chance to remove the good parts that nature provides and you won’t need to worry about what’s added behind your back.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Preservatives | Comments Off 

Discover The Truth About ADHD And Food Preservatives

To further help your child, artificial food preservatives also need to be eliminated or reduced in your child’s diet.

You will need to eliminate or reduce the following terrible ten ingredients from your child’s diet:

  1. Food Colourings
  2. Food Flavourings
  3. BHA
  4. BHT
  5. TBHQ
  6. Corn Syrup and Sweeteners
  7. MSG
  8. Sodium Benzoate
  9. Nitrites
  10. Calcium Propionate

What Are Food Preservatives?Food preservatives are used extensively within the food industry to preserve and extend shelf life of food products.

Unfortunately, some food preservatives may make your child’s ADHD symptoms worst. It is for this reason that it is best to eliminate or restrict certain food preservatives from you child’s diet to reduce ADHD symptoms.

The main culprits to look out for are these antioxidant preservatives:

Further food preservatives which could also make your child’s ADHD symptoms flare up are:

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Preservatives | Comments Off 

Parabens vs. Natural Cosmetic Preservatives

By now you have probably heard about parabens. Though there are many toxic ingredients we should be aware of in cosmetics, parabens have been put in the spotlight. This is in large part due to their link with breast cancer. Because of the awareness these synthetic preservatives have brought, many consumers are looking for products with more natural cosmetic preservatives.

Most of us would be hard pressed to find our bathroom shelves completely free from products containing parabens. They show up on the labels of cosmetics under a variety of names including; alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens.

If a product is water based it is susceptible to bacterial/microbial growth, which of course is not a good thing. To prevent this contamination from occurring many cosmetics manufacturers use parabens. Effective at preservation, it may come at a steep price.

Parabens are believed to mimic estrogen in our bodies, increasing our risk for certain cancers, impaired fertility and birth defects. Recent studies have shown parabens in the tumors of breast cancer patients and because they boost estrogen, which stimulates cell division, researchers believe this causes the tumor to grow more rapidly.

Parabens are a controversial subject. Some cosmetics manufacturers claim that a certain percentage is safe and their devoted customers may be comfortable with this. But you have to figure, if the average adult woman were to use three products containing parabens at least once per day every day those exposures start to add up over the course of a lifetime. Parabens are found in the products we use on our children too. Still comfortable?

The bottom line is that we do not yet know enough about parabens and their risk to our health, but what we do know is not good. There are safe, effective cosmetic preservatives. Parabens are not the only, and certainly not the best, option.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Preservatives | Comments Off 

Who Else Wants Potassium Supplements?

Why would someone supplement Potassium? Potassium can be an essential ingredient to maintaining your healthy nerve network, heart, kidney function, muscles and your digestive system. While certain diets naturally will provide the potassium levels most men and women, but there are indeed select individuals who must have more than what can be found through the typical diet.

A potassium supplement is necessary for those who have temporary or permanent deficiency that empty their body of potassium, included, but not limited to: having fluids drained from your body (heat stroke, sweat, dehydration, diarrhea, etc.), from vomiting (the 24 hour flu, self-induced bulimia, as a side effect to another ailment), because of having a disease (G.I. disease, Gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, some forms of diabetes, digestive diseases, etc.. Potassium supplements can be prescribed to replenish, replace or prevent or stop potassium deficiency issues.

When should one take a potassium supplement? Depending on the specific supplement you are supplementing, as its dosage and the frequency varies greatly. That said, however, potassium supplements usually are consumed 2 - 4 times per day, and most of the time with food. Your friendly, neighborhood pharmacist can help you if you have any question or trouble creep up regarding your supplements.

How should you properly take a potassium supplement? You should always read the label of your prescription bottle for specific to that supplement, instructions. Tablets and capsules should be taken whole; avoid breaking, if at all possible. Of course, that will not be possible for everybody. Some people who have trouble swallowing tablets may have that as an obstacle to overcome, that is alright. Do what you normally would do. If your supplement is in liquid, granule, effervescent tablet or powder make sure you completely mix your potassium in water, before you drink it. Using cold water can help in covering up less than ideal flavor, or adding your favorite fruit juice can help make your potassium much easier on your taste buds. Whatever form your potassium supplement comes in, taking them with eight fluid ounces of water is recommended.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Potassium | Comments Off 

Most Athletes Do Not Need to Replace Potassium

Many sports drinks advertise that they contain potassium, but potassium deficiency is not common in athletes unless they are trying to control weight by vomiting.

A few years ago, one of the best female long-distance runners in the country came to me to find a cause for her sudden drop in performance. All tests I ordered were normal except for a low blood level of potassium. The most common cause of potassium deficiency is vomiting, but she repeatedly denied doing this. I then requested that she collect her urine for one day, and the laboratory reported that it contained three times as much potassium as normal. This proved that she was bulimic. To control her weight, she was sticking her finger down her throat and making herself throw up. After she was able to accept the diagnosis, she got help, stopped vomiting and went on to win several long distance running titles.

The kidneys and sweat glands conserve potassium so effectively in response to low body levels that potassium deficiency rarely occurs in healthy athletes. Even with prolonged exercise in very hot weather, potassium needs can be met by eating a normal diet because potassium is found in virtually all foods except refined sugar. On the other hand, potassium deficiency can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics and corticosteroids. It can also be caused by diarrhea or repeated vomiting. With diarrhea, potassium is lost in the stool. With vomiting, potassium is lost in the urine. In both athletes and non-athletes, the most common cause of low potassium blood levels and high potassium urine levels is vomiting.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Potassium | Comments Off 

Potassium Supplements Don’t Treat Fatigue in Exercisers

Tiredness and cramps in athletes can have many causes, but lack of potassium in their diets is not one of them. Many years ago, Dave Costill of Ball State University tried to create potassium deficiency in runners. He couldn’t do it because potassium is found in all foods except refined sugar, and his athletes would not stay on a diet that consisted only of hard candy.

The kidneys and sweat glands conserve potassium so well that you don’t lose much. If an athlete develops potassium deficiency, it is usually caused by drugs, such as diuretics or corticosteroids, or by diarrhea or repeated vomiting. Some athletes try to control their weight by making themselves vomit. This is called bulimia, and the person usually denies vomiting. Their physicians can prove that they are vomiting by ordering blood and urine tests. If blood levels of potassium are low and urine levels are high, vomiting is a likely cause. Ask your daughter’s doctor to do a work-up for other causes of chronic tiredness. If none can be found, she may overtraining and should talk to her coach about changing her workouts.

Don’t be misled by advertising for sports drinks that you need to replace potassium during exercise and so need their products. The only mineral you need to replace during exercise is salt. Furthermore, if you did need potassium, it is found in virtually all foods. You don’t need to buy special drinks

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Potassium | Comments Off 

The Nutritional Benefits of Potassium Citrate

Potassium citrate is a macro-mineral/ salt that can be found in many foods. The mineral helps to reduce the acidity of urine. It is often used in the treatment of kidney diseases and gout. It works by helping to transmit nerve impulses, improving muscle function, and treating various metabolic disorders.

The benefits of potassium citrate also help with muscle contractions, such as cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles. The mineral helps to produce energy and the production of nucleic acids. Potassium citrate is believed to maintain healthy cells and normal blood pressure.

Potassium citrate is generally taken in conjunction with water pills. The reason for this is that as excess water is excreted from the body, it is possible that, with it, might come a drop in some important minerals and nutrients, particularly potassium. It is not recommended to take it without a physician’s guidance.

WHAT DOES THE MINERAL POTASSIUM CITRATE DO?

Potassium citrate is responsible for regulating the water content within the human body, as well as helping with the support of effective nerve transmissions, regulating the electric impulses of the heart, thereby regulating ones blood pressure, and is also a very important, if not, critical factor in the body¹s use of carbohydrates and proteins.

HOW MUCH POTASSIUM DO WE GENERALLY NEED

For daily intake, men and women need at least 4.7 grams of potassium, or 2,000-4,000 mg. Women around the ages of 31 and 50 in America and the United Kingdom, consume less than 50 percent of the daily amount of potassium needed to maintain optimal health. Men in America consume only slightly higher levels of potassium. Most American diets contain 1,500-5,000 mg of potassium daily. This is quite far under the recommended daily intake.

Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency

Some of the symptoms of potassium to be noted are: tiredness, high and low blood pressure, acne, dry eyes, irritability, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness, depression, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, frail skeletal structure, bone and joint pain, decreased reflexes, constipation, high cholesterol, and water retention. Respiratory problems, excessive thirst, evidence of protein in urine, less than adequate growth, infertility and headaches are other symptoms of potassium deficiency.

Clearly, if you want the benefits of potassium citrate and you struggle getting the mineral in your daily diet as is easily done as shown above, then looking into a potassium citrate supplement becomes very important to your health.

Do you need to supplement with Potassium Citrate?

Let’s look at some points that may that may increase your need to get the benefits of a potassium citrate supplement.

Generally, people might be of a higher risk for potassium deficiency if they exercise excessively, this is due to the loss of body fluid through perspiration. Because of this, there may be a significant loss in this particular mineral.

Women should note that they may be susceptible to osteoporosis through a loss of calcium which can be because of a potassium deficiency.

Another factor to note is that people, who suffer frequent diarrhea bouts, are at a higher risk for potassium deficiency. If you suffer from irritable bowl syndrome, then a quality potassium supplement may have benefit to you long term.

Some western medications that are prescribed may create a possible potassium deficiency, as may a poor un balanced un nutritional diet, or any activity or condition that results in a large loss of bodily fluids.

High Potassium foods for the benefits of potassium citrate

Even though you might be a person who should look into a potassium citrate supplement for the benefits of potassium citrate, eating foods high in potassium should not be ignored. Too many people think they can cure their nutritional needs and bad diets by just popping a supplement of some kind.

For this reason we have compiled a list of some foods you may take for effective potassium citrate consumption, here is a brief list of some foods high in potassium so that you can hopefully avoid a potassium deficiency:

orange juice, bananas, boiled chard, mushrooms, raw, fennel (bulb), romaine lettuce, raw celery, boiled mustard greens, raw cauliflower, raw broccoli, all varieties of summer and winter squash, ripe tomatoes, cooked turnip greens, raw carrots, boiled collard greens, raw cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, boiled beets, papaya, snap and string green beans, yam, fresh kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Overdosing on Potassium Citrate?

There are people who don’t really need a potassium citrate supplement. People with kidney disease or kidney failure should stay away from potassium citrate supplements. They could end up doing more harm than good.

Also, those people consuming potassium-restricting medications should not take potassium citrate supplements unless their physician has given the all clear.

Do not take salt products, either, because these products often contain higher levels of potassium. Some symptoms to be aware of from excessive potassium consumption in the body, include stomach upset, and may alter your heartbeat and also your blood pressure.

For those people taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, they should stay away from potassium supplements, except if their physician has said otherwise or that it is ok.

Precuations

You must take some precautions when taking potassium citrate. Tell your doctor immediately if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or Addison’s disease. If you have drug allergies or high blood pressure inform your doctor of these as well.

Another precaution when taking potassium citrate is to not use salt substitutes or low salt milk. The reason for this is that these products will likely contain potassium. This could cause an accidental excess of potassium and you could suffer the side effects or potassium citrate or an overdose. Follow your physician’s directions and take it exactly as prescribed.

Known Side effects from taking Potassium citrate

There are some side effects with the use of potassium citrate. They include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and/or loose stools. If these get really severe you need to contact your physician. Somewhat more serious side effects include, muscle weakness, mental changes, rapid/irregular heart beat, tingling or numbness of hands and/or feet. If stools are black and tarry, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, or nervousness, call your doctor or head to the nearest emergency facility.

In the event of an accidental overdose, you should call your local poison control center, or emergency facility, immediately and follow their instructions. Symptoms of an overdose include weakness, sluggishness, confusion, irregular heart beat, and possibly fainting. Since the symptoms of an overdose are similar to the symptoms of side effects, seek attention immediately. As with anything, do not add anything to your medications or diet without the approval of a physician. Doing so could very well put your physical health at a very serious risk.

Tips on Choosing a Potassium Citrate Supplement

1. Nutritional Supplements are largely unregulated in the US, and don’t just take our word for it, you can read an article on the industry wide problem here. Many health supplements have been found to harbor dangerous contaminants in them, but what’s more worrying to us, is that consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product which contains what is actually stated on the label.

For the above reasons, we always advice people to buy nutritional supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, such places adhere to the strictest standards in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements. You can be sure your product will be contaminant free if you buy from such a place.

Make sure the company you purchase your supplements from has a certificate of analysis on file confirming the active ingredients are what are stated on the product, and also, to confirm the potency of them.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Potassium | Comments Off 

Calcium Magnesium Potassium Boron & How Can They Help You

Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Boron

Potassium

Potassium is one of the basic minerals needed by the body for its proper functioning. Being an electrolyte it is capable of conducting electricity.

Potassium present in this supplement can help reduce its deficiency and maintain the required levels in human body. It is a positively charged ion, which is concentrated inside the cell while the sodium ion is concentrated outside the cell. An electrochemical gradient called membrane potential is created due to their concentration difference. Ion pumps use energy or ATP to take the sodium out from the cell membrane and bring in the potassium, hence maintaining this critical concentration gradient. This is very important for muscle contraction and heart functioning.

Deficiency

The potassium deficiency is called as hypokalemia. Hypokalemia results from prolonged vomiting, some forms of kidney disease, the use of some diuretics, or disturbances of metabolism. The symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, intestinal paralysis, fatigue, and cramps, and, which may lead to constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Calcium

Another important mineral present in this supplement is Calcium. It is an important mineral of the body .Healthy bones and teeth require adequate amount of calcium. Bones contain large amounts of calcium. Calcium is also present in blood.

Calcium maintains proper functioning of muscles. It also helps in blood clotting action of enzymes and proteins are maintained by calcium. It also controls composition of body fluids.

Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can be the cause of weak bones and teeth. Calcium requirement can be fulfilled by a calcium-rich diet, so that the average loss of 400 to 500mg of calcium by a human body each day can be avoided.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a very vital trace mineral and its deficiency can affect several hundred functions performed in the body. About 50% of magnesium present in the human body is found in the bones, almost the rest of the magnesium in body cells. The blood contains about 1% of magnesium.

Magnesium maintains muscle and nerve functions, supports the immune system and keeps bones strong. It also regulates sugar level, body metabolism, blood pressure, protein synthesis and prevents hypertension and diabetes.

Deficiency

Many disorders take place due to magnesium deficiency. Its deficiency causes mitral valve prolapse, asthma, migraines and other allergies.

Boron

Another very important mineral present in this supplement is boron which is an essential trace mineral needed for several body functions such as maintaining joint and bone functions.

Boron helps in absorption of magnesium, calcium and vitamin D. The utilization of calcium and the activation of Vitamin D are also assisted by it. It should be taken along with other minerals and vitamins.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Potassium | Comments Off 

Epoxy Adhesive-More than Glue

How Is Epoxy Adhesive Different From Other Types Of Glue?

In order to make epoxy work, you must combing resin and a hardening agent to make the bond as strong as necessary. Until recently most adhesives were not very good at bonding two different materials such as metal and wood or in bonding non-porous materials like glass. But, with the synthetic matter contained in epoxies, you can do both of these types of jobs with ease. Most of the time, when you are making an epoxy adhesive, you do not mix the two parts together until you are ready to use them. Many are also thermo-activated, which means they also need heat in order to form the bonds.

How Long Have Epoxies Been Around?

In 1936, both S. O. Greenlee in the United States and Dr. Pierre Castan of Switzerland demonstrated the first epoxy adhesive. Since then, there have been many advancements in the field of adhesives and you can find many types both for home use and industrial use. Some that you might be familiar with are Krazy Glue, Super Glue, and Gorilla Glue.

Uses For Epoxy Adhesive

Uses for this type of adhesive include: fixing things like broken glasses, or bonding fiber optic cables. Epoxies are not bulky, are lightweight conform easily to the surface of the materials they are bonding. Therefore, they are perfect for many uses in the home and also in the workplace, because they are made to last.

What Cautions And Dangers Should You Be Aware Of When You Use An Epoxy Adhesive?

Exercise great caution that you are using the right kind of adhesive for the job. The wrong kind of adhesive can actually cause permanent damage to whatever you are trying to repair. Also, you should make sure that you have the area where you are using the epoxy adhesive clean and free from debris so that it does not get into adhesive. Take care to not get any adhesive on your skin because it may bond instantly and it is difficult to remove without great effort. With an epoxy adhesive like Crazy Glue it bonds instantly when it hits the air. If you do get it on your skin, you can try fingernail polish to remove it.

When you are using a two part epoxy adhesive you should mix it on a surface that you will not be using again if possible. The packaging for the epoxy adhesive often can serve this purpose. Mix the two parts quickly and apply them as soon as possible. Follow all of the instructions very carefully to ensure the best results.

If you are using some types of epoxies they can produce enough heat to cause whatever you are trying to bond to crack or bend. This is why it is essential that you are very careful when you are choosing which epoxy adhesive to use. Even the simplest epoxy such as those you would use at home can cause damage and may ruin the surface for future bonding attempts.

Where Can You Buy It?

You can find several types of epoxy at a hardware store, a home improvement store, or even some types of craft and hobby store. But, if you are unsure what type of epoxy you need, you can find a wealth of information online about what epoxies work best with different materials. The packaging should also have information as well that will not only help you to choose the right adhesive, but also how to apply it. If you still have questions, contact the customer service representatives at the company where the epoxy is manufactured to find out any additional information you may need.

July 10, 2007 | Filed Under Ammonia | Comments Off 

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