Edging Hi-index lenses

**nawsman** · 08-16-2012, 02:01 PM

Is there a breathing hazard when cutting hi-index lenses? with the exception that they smell when edging, just curious.

**mdeimler** · 08-16-2012, 02:03 PM

Didn't you get that pamphlet about the brain cancer associated with optical edging ? I had one mailed to me from a law firm at an old job.
It was one of those...if you were hurt in an accident type.

**optimensch** · 08-16-2012, 02:30 PM

that nuclear garlic stench on the 174s cant be healthy, we put in a serious ventilation system but it still leaves a strong odor.

**nawsman** · 08-16-2012, 03:02 PM

I would really like to find out if the manufacturer has MSDS's for Hi-index lenses, I use the Essilor Kappa edger and we have a ventlation system that vent 80% of the oder outdoors

**snotbagel** · 08-16-2012, 03:07 PM

14.5 oz can of ozium, $112 a dozen....

Seriously, it's polyurethane, it's not "healthy", but you're not edging hi-index all day unless you're in a lab..

RT · 08-16-2012, 08:40 PM

If your lab is a member of The Vision Council's Optical Lab Division (formerly OLA--Optical Laboratories Association), you have free access to an industry-generated database of MSDS information. According to the MSDS info for high index, the smell is from sulfur. The hazard rating is very low on these plastics, limited primarily to nuisance dust and odors if dry grinded. You may request MSDS sheets from your lens manufacturer if you have further questions.

**mattc-ait** · 08-17-2012, 08:48 AM

AIT has a universal air purifier for wet grinding edgers that will remove dust and the smells associated with grinding Hi-Index. It is called the airMAX. We make connection kits for nearly every make and model edger. If you use the coupon code "maxconnect" at checkout you will get a free connection kit for your edger. You can also mention it via phone if you would rather speak to a person =D.

you can see it here:
http://www.aitindustries.com/cscart/...on-system.html

**CoolOptician** · 08-17-2012, 09:36 AM

I can tell you that we had the AIT Scent Air Vacuum Purifier (in the process of selling it, with our AIT Edger/Tracer) and it made a world of difference. (grin!) I have no stats or information of any 'health hazard.' Lol, but I can tell you we didn't buy this unit with the edger, but rather got it about a month later. After making a few high-index jobs. Lol, I thought I was going to die....yea, I'm a wimp. But I did come down with some kind of respiratory illness within a few days. :-)) I always blamed it on the high index!

**nawsman** · 08-17-2012, 05:47 PM

I edge 10 to 15 pairs of hi-index per week, about the same for trivex and Polycarbonate

**Craig** · 08-17-2012, 06:05 PM

That stuff will not help anyone feel good; we have 2 solutions to eliminate the odor 100%. We put in a new roughing wheel that cuts at a much lower temperature while also not burning off the material to decrease the smoke and smell by 75%. We also attached a hose to the edger and ran it up to the exhaust fan in the ceiling, it works perfect and cost $20 to install if you have a fan already. There is no noise or smell, but I would not feel right having someone cut 1.74 al day. We used to leave the lab while it was cutting.

**Browman** · 08-17-2012, 08:15 PM

Am I alone in not being bothered by hi-index smell? I'm the only one in our office who doesn't avoid going into the lab while a job's edging. I think the odor's quite pleasant, really. Then again, I also find the smell of garlic appealing.

**shannon** · 08-17-2012, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Browman

Am I alone in not being bothered by hi-index smell? I'm the only one in our office who doesn't avoid going into the lab while a job's edging. I think the odor's quite pleasant, really. Then again, I also find the smell of garlic appealing.

You beat me to it, I was thinking that I was alone in the "don't mind the smell of hi-index" group...I don't feel lonely anymore.

**optical24/7** · 08-18-2012, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Browman

Am I alone in not being bothered by hi-index smell? I'm the only one in our office who doesn't avoid going into the lab while a job's edging. I think the odor's quite pleasant, really. Then again, I also find the smell of garlic appealing.

Originally Posted by shannon

You beat me to it, I was thinking that I was alone in the "don't mind the smell of hi-index" group...I don't feel lonely anymore.

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says, "I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me too much. The farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here, and I bet you didn't even notice!"

The doctor says, "I see. Take these pills and come back next week."

The next week the lady goes back. "Doctor," she says, "I don't know what the hell you gave me, but now my farts - although still silent - stink terribly."

The doctor says, "Good! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses, let's work on your hearing..."

**MikeAurelius** · 08-18-2012, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by optical24/7

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says, "I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me too much. The farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here, and I bet you didn't even notice!"

The doctor says, "I see. Take these pills and come back next week."

The next week the lady goes back. "Doctor," she says, "I don't know what the hell you gave me, but now my farts - although still silent - stink terribly."

The doctor says, "Good! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses, let's work on your hearing..."

+1 I spewed coffee all over the monitor and keyboard. Thanks for the morning laugh!

**Java99** · 08-18-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by optical24/7

A little old lady goes to the doctor and says, "I have this problem with gas, but it really doesn't bother me too much. The farts never smell and are always silent. As a matter of fact, I've farted at least 20 times since I've been here, and I bet you didn't even notice!"

The doctor says, "I see. Take these pills and come back next week."

The next week the lady goes back. "Doctor," she says, "I don't know what the hell you gave me, but now my farts - although still silent - stink terribly."

The doctor says, "Good! Now that we've cleared up your sinuses, let's work on your hearing..."

That was a riot! You cheered up my morning!

**Darryl Meister** · 08-18-2012, 05:34 PM

According to the MSDS info for high index, the smell is from sulfur

As Rick indicated, many popular high-index lenses (the MR series of high-index lenses, in particular) are thiol-urethanes or episulfides, which rely on significant sulfur content (up to 60%) to increase the refractive index of the material, giving these materials their characteristic odor during processing. Generally, the higher the refractive index, the higher the sulfur content.

However, even non-thiol polyurethane materials without sulfur will typically still rely on "aromatic" chemical structures that may produce noticeable odors.

That said, MSDS sheets for MR Series high-index materials generally indicate that these materials, and dust particulates from these materials, are non-hazardous, although you should confirm this with your material supplier of choice when in doubt.

Best regards,
Darryl

**wearegood** · 08-19-2012, 05:54 AM

That smell will lead to brain cancer? You scared me

**neighjames** · 06-02-2013, 04:20 PM

Hey there, I worked as a dispensing optician for 12 years always exposed to the nasty stuff coming off of the edger in the unventilated lab. I got lung cancer (non-smoking related) another worker went out with MS the year before me (auto-immune disorder). I have been investigating the heck out of the industry for the last 2 1/2 years. OSHA is useless. They did determine that the Particulate matter is able to enter the lungs (respirable) however they determined that it was acceptable. ODD as they are not allowed to look at repeat exposure. Any direction you can give me to other people getting sick from exposures in the lab would be greatly appreciated. Any tips on how to make this appeal global on this site even more appreciated! Thanks a million.

**neighjames** · 06-02-2013, 04:22 PM

you should be scared! I got lung cancer (non-smoking related) two years ago after working for 12 years in a shop w a lab without of course any ventilation. OSHA determined that the plastic dust is able to enter the lungs. They have been emasculated like all oversight in this country and cannot look at repeat exposure.

**Tallboy** · 06-02-2013, 06:22 PM

Im very sorry that happened to you. I don't think lens dust can affect you any more than sawdust though. It isnt fun to be blessed with random medical illnesses though...

**Wes** · 06-02-2013, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by neighjames

Hey there, I worked as a dispensing optician for 12 years always exposed to the nasty stuff coming off of the edger in the unventilated lab. I got lung cancer (non-smoking related) another worker went out with MS the year before me (auto-immune disorder). I have been investigating the heck out of the industry for the last 2 1/2 years. OSHA is useless. They did determine that the Particulate matter is able to enter the lungs (respirable) however they determined that it was acceptable. ODD as they are not allowed to look at repeat exposure. Any direction you can give me to other people getting sick from exposures in the lab would be greatly appreciated. Any tips on how to make this appeal global on this site even more appreciated! Thanks a million.

Perhaps you should consult a medical/industrial malpractice attorney if you sincerely believe you have a case.

**neighjames** · 06-03-2013, 04:03 AM

Actually in the MSDS sheets the plastic particulate sludge is referred to as Toxic Waste. It is supposed to be handled as Toxic Waste although I don't think that is happening very often. So........if it is considered Toxic Waste then.....how is it not toxic period? This is the question. In Australia I have been informed by a man who wrote the MSDS sheets for Zeiss lenses, they use Extraction Ventilation whenever high index lenses are edged, however he informed me "you are in the United States". Have also been looking at the THiourethanes and THioacyanates........Hmmmmmmmmm. COmbined with other off gases I figure it is in fact pretty toxic. Also plastic does not break down. Wood fiber or dust does (although most of the wood is treated these days and safety equipment is used.

**neighjames** · 06-03-2013, 04:07 AM

I intend to do that. I also see here in Opti-space references to class action suits for Brain Cancer, related to the industry. I am really seeking others who have had ill health experiences working in the Optical Business. OSHA told me straight up that "hey you are up against Big Chem, nobody ever wins". Kind of daunting.

**optimensch** · 06-03-2013, 07:04 AM

that volatile odor off the 1.74, 1.67 lenses should definitely be vented out of your airspace - we put in an inline vent in the newly redone lab and it helps. Pleasant or unpleasant, there is no way that you are improving your health by breathing that in. I imagine if you grew garlic near 3 mile island or fukushima and watered it with some runoff from a chinese paint factory, that is what the smell from these lenses would resemble.

**MikeAurelius** · 06-03-2013, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by neighjames

Hey there, I worked as a dispensing optician for 12 years always exposed to the nasty stuff coming off of the edger in the unventilated lab. I got lung cancer (non-smoking related) another worker went out with MS the year before me (auto-immune disorder). I have been investigating the heck out of the industry for the last 2 1/2 years. OSHA is useless. They did determine that the Particulate matter is able to enter the lungs (respirable) however they determined that it was acceptable. ODD as they are not allowed to look at repeat exposure. Any direction you can give me to other people getting sick from exposures in the lab would be greatly appreciated. Any tips on how to make this appeal global on this site even more appreciated! Thanks a million.

A couple of ideas:

Contact NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. They are similar to OSHA, but whereas OSHA is a function of the Department of Labor, NIOSH is part of the Department of Health. NIOSH doesnt have the investment of going up against Big Chem, they are more health related, whereas OSHA more more safety related.

Contact your STATE OSHA department.

Washington State (to my mind) is a fairly "green" state, and I would tend to believe that on a state level, they would take issues like this far more seriously than at the national level.