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

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