Hey,
First time poster, long time lurker.
I have been running two laser machines (100w and 150w) for the past 18 or so months. My company has recently recieved a third and I am in the process of setting it up.
My reason for posting is about possible health concerns, I have searched the net but not found alot of solid info on the dangers of laser cutting certain substrates.
Basically for 7-10 hours a day, I am in a room with both machines running constantly. 95% of things I cut out are:
a: plain mdf 3-6mm thick
b: various colored and mirrored acrylic 3-10mm thick (sometimes with high grade double sided tape on the rear)
c: 4.5mm mdf with digital print on the face and matte black vinyl on the rear (majority of cutting)
Both lasers have two extractor fans each (total of four), all leading up to the roof and being vented outside. While the room certainly never fills up with smoke, I can ALWAYS smell what is cutting, to the point I am pretty used to it.
Recently I have been worrying about the long term affects of being exposed to these fumes. I never used to untill I read something about chemicals in MDF etc. and now I've over thought it and can't tell if i'm being paranoid or not lol. My boss and co-workers don't seem to think its dangerous, but im only 25, I gotta lot more years to enjoy if ya know what I mean.
Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I didn't know where to ask really. Thanks in advance if anyone has any infomation or input.
Andrew