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Epoxy Mold Compound : Why Toxic?

Hi there guys, I am a new mold operator of electronic devices such as PDIP, SOIC etc....
Quality Assurance Inspector always remind us to wear our face mask for us not to inhale the mold compound dust in the reason that it is toxic. I've ask them why, but there answer
does not convince me.

I just want to know why this epoxy mold compound become a toxic? what are the possible
human or environmental disease it creates? Thanks a lot..............

Noel D. Pacio
semiconductor company - Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
2006

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I would assume that the MSDS for the product is available on the internet somewhere. I would definitely wear the mask though. The stuff in epoxy coatings is Nasty nasty stuff.. Think twice before throwing the mask to the side because of comfort issues.

Ryan Cook
Toccoa, Georgia
2006

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If you breathe in the dust, it will end up in your lungs and is not soluble, so it will stay there forever as an irritant to your lungs. Moderately similar to the black lung disease that coal miners get. Look back in history at the life expectancy of hard rock miners. Dust caused a shorter lifespan on most than cave ins ever did.
Keep your boss out of trouble and wear the protective equipment.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

It depends on what type of EMC you are using. Green EMC refers to removal of toxic substances of non-GEMC. These are Antimony and Bismuth compounds that aids as fire retardant on EMC but harmful to health and environment.

Mark Casiano
- Baguio,Philippines
2007