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Are Foam Cutting Fumes Toxic??
I've made a hot wire foam cutter but I'm wondering now if the fumes are cancerous/dangerous/toxic when you breathe them in. I've researched this myself a little but there are mixed answers and many others are unsure. Any answers?
Discussions
2 years ago
What about gasses released from pulverizing blocks of styro cold?
no www results from that Q ... would like to know.
Thanks!
4 years ago
Yes. Always Ventilate. Smoke need not be produced to create toxic fumes. If you can semll it, they're there.
4 years ago
What is there to be unsure about apart from the fact that you did not provide any details on the materials you want to cut.
Put simply: if it is dangerous or even toxic when it burns then the same is true when you cut it - there is a good reason why proper cutters always come with a proper fume extraction system...
Answer 4 years ago
+1
4 years ago
In short, yes the fumes made when cutting foam are harmful. However, how much they affect you depends on how much you are exposed. I always just set up a shop vac or fan beside my foam cutter to pull the fumes away from me.
4 years ago
Iv been cutting Styrofoam 50 years. The best way to cut, is to adjust a massive wire (3/32" iron weld rod) to simply melt through NO+SMOKE and not burn the foam.. Occasionally I smoked some with a solder iron... I'm writing and alive married with grand kids and a lot of tin lead solder fumes too...
Answer 4 years ago
Sorry forgot the pictures click them to see the whole image..
4 years ago
Safety sheet for poly styrene
http://www.southlandpolymers.com/pdf/polysty/Denka...
I would avoid cutting at a temp that creates fumes.
Over all it can't be that hazardous as schools cut polystyrene foam all the time.
4 years ago
How much?
Breathe as little as possible.