While indispensible for home repairs, these products can release toxic chemicals into your breathing zone. Some glues emit highly toxic compounds such as acrylonitrile and cyanates as part of the bonding and curing process. Others like glues used for wood projects or paper art work, are simpler and relativey low in toxics. With all glues, safety precautions are in order.

If you use GLUES/ADHESIVES for indoor repairs, then you are at risk for:

1) Eye, nose, throat and skin irritation
2) Worsening Asthma
3) Headache, tiredness, effects on nerves
4) Strong odors that last for hours

HOME REPAIR    GLUES/ADHESIVES Precautions	HOME REPAIR GLUES/ADHESIVES Alternatives
Do not use the product if it is irritating or causes you breathing discomfort.	If possible use simple genera purposed household glues, instead of "super glue," epoxy, or urethane glue. These glues bond faster and stronger but have more toxic chemicals.
Follow label directions and precautions.	Look for products labled for interior use. Never use something labeled for exterior use indoors because they have more toxics.
Wear disposable gloves and protective clothing to avoid skin exposure.	Choose non-toxic or low toxicity glues from "Green" catalogues and from the listing or safe Art and Projects materials from the Art and Creative Materials Insititute - ACMI.
Do glueing outside if possible, in a shed or garage. Leave there for several days until cured.
Air out the work area when done (if glueing is done inside)
Do the project in warm (summer) months when curing is faster and the house is better ventilated.
Keep children out of the area until it is aired out.
Tightly reseal used containers and store in shed or gargage.

DO YOU USE GLUES IN ARTWORK? Is so, youmay be exposed to toxic chemicals when you use:

1) Solvent-based glues like runner cement. These contain heptane which may cause headache and dizziness if you  
    are overexposed.

2) Epoxy, urethane or super glues (see above)

3) Spray-on fixatives and adhesives. These contain VOCs that you an breathe in while spraying or as the project is
    curing.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1) Neve let children use the glues mentioned above. Children should only use simple water based or low toxicity  
    products like glue sticks, Elmer's or pastes.

2) Look for products with the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) "non-toxic" label

3) Go to the California Artguide site to see what products are and are not recommended for use by children.

4) When adults use solvent-based, epoxy, urethane or super glue, only use with lots of fresh air during application
     and curing. Wear disposable gloves to protect skin.