MIBK and n-butyl acetate are both quite volatile and should leave no permanent residues. Having seen the same kind of symptoms in a teacher at a different school, I would suggest your building may have other IAQ problems that should be evaluated. You may also be highly sensitive to perfumes, colognes, and deodorants, for instance. There may be other aromatic hydrocarbons you work with that are causing these sensitivities (acetone, for instance). For this other teacher, in-line activated carbon filters in the HVAC vents helped a lot; there are also some effective HEPA air purifiers that might help. Temperatures, humidity levels, carbon dioxide levels and particulates should also be evaluated. Russ Phifer WC Environmental, LLC PO Box 1718, 1085C Andrew Drive West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-9220/610-344-7519 fax rphifer**At_Symbol_Here**glasmesh.com -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU]On Behalf Of Vicki Davis Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 9:58 AM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Dry Erase Markers To the List: I am a high school and community college chemistry and physics teacher. Over the years I have developed a severe allergy to Expo dry erase markers. The original ones manufactured by Sanford Corporation. They contain methyl isobutyl ketone and n-butyl acetate plus pigment and resin. It seems to be the two chemicals that cause the allergic reaction as Expo 2 markers I can use okay. They contain ethanol and 2-propanol. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this before and if anyone has any suggestions. I am on prednisone, double doses of Allegra 180 and double Zantac just to go to work everyday. The high school has recently removed all the original markers and replaced with Expo 2, but I still have trouble, although not as bad. How long do these chemicals "hang" in the air or ventilation systems? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Vicki Davis Shawnee Mission West High School Johnson County Community College Overland Park, Kansas 66212 wedavisv**At_Symbol_Here**smsd.org -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by The CCIS.net MailScanner, and is believed to be clean. --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.776 / Virus Database: 523 - Release Date: 10/12/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.776 / Virus Database: 523 - Release Date: 10/12/2004
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