Carbon Fiber Skin Irritation?

[Frostbite Ale Man]

I have a problem when I use my light weight carbon fiber canoe with skin irritation. It's only when I don't wear pants/long sleeves; but in the summer, I often use the boat while wearing a swim suit and T-shirt. I end up with quite bothersome irritating rashes on the inside of both arms, and under both knee areas. It takes several days to clear, even after repeated showering. It's quite prickly, itchy, and annoying. Does anybody else have this problem? (I've used the canoe over 50 times, and "washed" it out with a soft sponge several times, but the irritation persists). I couldn't find much info searching the internet on carbon fiber irritation...just hoping it's not bad for one's health

[redhawk]

I have a problem when I use my light weight carbon fiber canoe with skin irritation. It's only when I don't wear pants/long sleeves; but in the summer, I often use the boat while wearing a swim suit and T-shirt. I end up with quite bothersome irritating rashes on the inside of both arms, and under both knee areas. It takes several days to clear, even after repeated showering. It's quite prickly, itchy, and annoying. Does anybody else have this problem? (I've used the canoe over 50 times, and "washed" it out with a soft sponge several times, but the irritation persists). I couldn't find much info searching the internet on carbon fiber irritation...just hoping it's not bad for one's health

You might want to see a dermatologist.

I haven't heard anything about carbon fibre, but in this day and age, it's 35 years before they find out something will eat you from the inside.

Just for the sake of science. Pick up a bottle of Cornhuskers Lotion and rub it in before you use the boat.

Hawk

[Lute Hawkins]

It sounds like either your boat is shedding carbon dust or you may be alergic to the coating chemicals.

From "http://www.answers.com/topic/carbon-fiber?cat=technology":

There are three areas of concern in the production and handling of carbon fibers: dust inhalation, skin irritation, and the effect of fibers on electrical equipment.

During processing, pieces of carbon fibers can break off and circulate in the air in the form of a fine dust. Industrial health studies have shown that, unlike some asbestos fibers, carbon fibers are too large to be a health hazard when inhaled. They can be an irritant, however, and people working in the area should wear protective masks.

The carbon fibers can also cause skin irritation, especially on the back of hands and wrists. Protective clothing or the use of barrier skin creams is recommended for people in an area where carbon fiber dust is present. The sizing materials used to coat the fibers often contain chemicals that can cause severe skin reactions, which also requires protection.

[canue]

Maybe you are sensitized to the resin that was used in the layup. I know if you do alot of work with epoxy over time you could get sensitized, that might hold true for the vinlyester resins as well. I know of an individual that got to the point he could not get near cured epoxy with out breaking out. That is usally because the proper protection is not taken when working with the stuff. Who knows?

[Little Rickie]

Are you a redhead or have sensitive skin normally?

[Asha'man]

Sounds like some kind of allergic reaction. Using some kind of antihistimine might help, providing it doesn't make you sleepy. Redhawk's suggestion of Cornhuskers Lotion or maybe a Bert's Bees product of some kind may be helpful. My fiancee is a big believer in Tea Tree oil, usually available at your local naturalist/holistic shop.

[Neil]

The poor man's allergic to his own canoe. Talk about rotten luck. Oh well, there's always hiking.

[Battenkiller]

A Hornbeck Blackjack? If so, give Peter a call. Maybe you can give it a light varnishing to seal it.

[Navig8r]

Let me use it for a seaon... I'll let you know if I have any reactions so you'll know if it's just you. Really, I'm willing to do this to help!
But seriously, mabe try an antihistimine (as mentioned previously). That would help to determine if it is an allergic type of reaction, and not just skin irritation.

[Rich Lockwood]

Blisters

I get blisters from my ZRE carbon paddle and never get them from my wood ones.
Turtle

[DRIFTER]

Is it new? I'll give ya $400.00 for it and I'm taking a big chance! Please clean up all the lotion spots before I pick it up.....Thanks.



........*How about a coating of paint over the surface to keep it from contacting your skin?.....Just read the above varnish idea, sounds even better than paint and an easy fix.

[mt_pa_paddler]

Reactions to composite material is all to common. I know a composite shop contractor where employees occasionally have reactions when exposed to composite materials. One case was very severe. Rashes, trouble breathing, and feeling sick were the symptoms. The person needed medical help to overcome reactions and had to find employement in another field. More than likely your reaction is to the resin rather than the carbon fiber, although, if the resin surface has been worn through it is possible that you are getting contact with the carbon fiber. In either case I am with Batten killer, some type of coating may prevent the resin surface from coming in contact with your skin. You may only need to coat the imediate surfaces you come in contract with. Good Luck