I used a mildewcide additive in the paint for the workroom.Want to use it in the varnish at the old house too.I am allergic to molds and need to do what I can to minimize them in a humid climate.

This additive is called Stay-CleanI/E and is chemically 2-(4-thiazolyl) benzimidazole. MSDS is pretty standard,looks like.

What do you know abt this product/chemical?

I used a mildewcide paint a few years back.It had a strong odor and I found out sleeping in that room is the reason I ended up in the emergency room with allergic asthma.Even letting it outgas didn't help much. So I'm trying to figure out if this stuff is the same or not before I use in indoors.It's pretty important,as you can see.I cannot remember the brand paint I used before,or even if it was oil based or latex-it's just too long ago.

This product does not have an odor and I'm not bothered by it either while painting,or in the workroom,so far.'course I'm not sleeping there,either.

So I'm thinking the other stuff that did bother me was either something different and petroleum based(another big allergy for me) or the paint was oil based,perhaps.

Any ideas on this?

Jim-no construction/building category in Archives that I could see.Do we need one? I put this under Energy for lack of a better place.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Answers

Manufacturers by law have to produce a Chemical Data Sheet for every synthetic chemical. They list properties and health information and should be free on request if you know who makes the stuff.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

This isn't an answer to your question, but I also have asthma and can not sleep in my sons room. I painted his walls with the new "kids" paint that is scrubable, not only did I have an asthma attack while painting, but I can't stay in his room for any length of time. Yes, we will be changing this out soon. Doesn't bother anybody but me. Vicki

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

As David C. stated , all chemicals that are commercially produced are required to have material safety data sheets available. I have been able to get these from manufacturer web sites many times and always by calling the telephone number listed on the label. The MSDS will list ingredients, health risks, required safety equipment and special handling instructions. They are provided free of charge per OSHA regulations.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Jim-no construction/building category in Archives that I could see.Do we need one? I put this under Energy for lack of a better place.

Sharon: The Building/Construction category is a good idea. I went in a created the new catetory and moved this thread into it.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2001

I Googled that chemical and found out it is a fungicide approved for fruits and vegetables.Interesting.

MSDS was there,as well,and looks pretty benign.That still won't tell me if I'll react,tho. I'm more reactive than the average person.

But,I'm thinking it is probably safe enough for me to use.

BTW,David and Jay.Nick was the safety manager for two major federal institutions.As such he was responsible for all chemicals used in the institution.Needless to say,he's really familiar with MSDS's

Of which he had fewer,since he switched both institutions to organic pest control while he was there.No small battle to get it approved,esp. at the old one.But he pushed it and showed them it would work.

He also established two recycling programs,both in very rural areas.At the second one they flat out told him it couldn't be done there.Old institution.Everyone set in their ways. Clicks. Within a year he had a program that went from $0 to $20,000 in recyclables sold,not to mention tipping fees saved.Guess they were wrong,huh?

Sorry,I just had to brag on him.I think he's pretty darn special.

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2001

You have a right to brag. It took a bunch of us 15 years to get our plant to switch to DI water and steam for cleaning purposes of assemblies.

-- Anonymous, May 18, 2001