[sdiy] drilling pcb boards...sore throat

[Mark Rivera]

It's possible that Dan got some irritation from the dust. He may have 
overdone it. Please see the first 10 seconds of this video and judge for 
yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_GPmpEhPMk


> where is the data on fiber-epoxy dust?

Conclusions from studies are inconclusive about the dangers of the 
fibers. They do not appear to be overtly carcinogenic THUS FAR, but the 
official word is "possibility of carcinogenic in humans" which basically 
means they are keeping it up in the air (n.p.i.) because studies have 
been inconclusive.

Definitely take measures to protect yourself from the dust. Doesn't seem 
to me, from reading the documentation, that a few incidents will be a 
problem, but IANAD. The reality is that this stuff isn't food and isn't 
natural so avoid it within reasonable means.

MSDS are available from the supplier or an upstream supplier. Examples:

http://www.isola-group.com/images/file/GetekFR4LaminateMSDSDecember2006Final.pdf
http://www.injectorall.com/MSDSFR4.htm
http://www.supresta.com/pdfs/FYROL-FR-4-MSDS.pdf

The gist of these is NOT "you're definitely going to die from your DIY 
habit", but they are definitely saying that you should take all means 
reasonable to contain and avoid the dust.

Dan, I would just change your working methods and not sweat it. Probably 
want to give your room a good dusting with a wet cloth or one of those 
microfiber rag thingamajigs.


Mark