spoke to several experienced folks - and read about some health risks with Resins & Epoxies...
Here's the MSDS for Raka epoxy:
https://www.raka.com/resin-safety-data-sheet/Note that as long as you keep it out of your eyes and off your skin, you're fine. It's
benign stuff. That's the science.
Here's the dope on polyester resins from an MSDS:
P101 If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102 Keep out of reach of children.
P201 Obtain special instructions before use.
P202 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No
smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground/ bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
P242 Use only non-sparking tools.
P243 Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P260 Do not breathe vapour/ spray.
P264 Wash contaminated skin thoroughly after handling.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P308+P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/ attention.
P312 Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor if you feel unwell.
P314 Get medical advice/ attention if you feel unwell.
P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/ attention.
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/ attention.
P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P370+P378 In case of fire: Use foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder or water fog to extinguish.
P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P405 Store locked up.
P501 Dispose of contents/ container in accordance with national regulations.
I think your friends are confusing epoxy for the hazards of polyester resin.
Tony