Chuck Wright

I was asked by another member about the efficacy of companies reporting "Bio-Soluble" as a claim and defining term of their material with hopes that the consumer be urged to consider this safe.   Well the reading through the company literature and MSDS sheets was quite interesting and confirmed our suspicions. No where in the MSDS sheets, or company safety records, lab analysis, etc was there a strict legal definition of the term "BIO-SOLUBLE" There are plenty of claims but none are legally enforceable and therefore not subject to "legal misrepresentation". The claims are that the material is "Body Soluble" which is true, at some point the chemicals that make up the fibers can be dissolved in cytoplasm, interstitial fluid, intracellular fluid between adjacent cells in any organ (including lungs) etc...however that's not where the fibers of any material end up....then end up in the air ways and air pockets (alveoli) and respiratory bronchi and bronchioles. The fibers can cut their way into more lung tissue damaging the tissue and in turn, the cells of your immune system, particularly macrophages, will become activated and in an attempt to engulf and destroy these fibers, they will die and split open leaving tons of chemicals that will further enhance the inflammatory pathway. Leading to granulomatous disease of the lung secondary to silicosis and if unchecked, mesothelioma (much more common when present in a smoker) and other forms of parenchymal lung cancers. In fact all of the ceramic fibers had similar effects. The papers that were published that supported the claims of the "soluble" fiber materials were often funded by the parent company who made the material. Hardly an unbiased and ethical study...so case in point. Treat all ceramic fibers regardless of their company claims. Require ridgizier and then coat the material to limit fiber inhalation. Other PPE is recommended such as respirators or air filters and as always, if you are going to use a fan, place the fan closest to an exit window or door blowing the air out of the room. IF blowing into the room, you will make the fibers disperse more and increase your risk of inhaling them. It is common during forge use to compromise the lining of the forge either by workpieces or tools puncturing through the coating or dragging the coating through cutting into the lining. If that happens, after the forge is cooled off , reapply the coating and/or rigidizer based on the level of damage. If it is extensive damage it would be best to reline the forge with new materials and start over. I hope this answers some more questions. I realize that these answers may go against what you have been told and there are some that do not believe these claims. All I can say is that it is your lungs and your decision. I have no financial stake in any of these companies or forge suppliers and therefore am operating ethically and in full disclosure. I am in no way responsible for your use or misuse of your materials. I can only make suggestions for your safe usage and enjoyment of our craft. Many Thanks for your attention. Be safe, Be happy, and Forge on.

Charles Wright MD. MS. ,  Emergency, Critical Care, and Transport Medicine CBCPA/EMS,  Pulmonary Physiology NHLBOwner (Modern Blacksmithing) Admin (Blacksmithing For Beginners) Admin (International Blacksmithing) Admin Blacksmithing For Beginners With Disabilities Admin Blacksmithing For Beginners - Veterans and First Responders.