4 CONCLUSIONS

The ability to hot melt the Stabiltex has broadened applications for use of the fabric and improved treatments. Minor adaptations of the above techniques are continuing to be made.

CAUTION: When the polyester is hot melted, fumes are released. Inquiries were made to the manufacturer as to the hazards of these fumes. The manufacturer relayed a health consideration in the manufacturing of the fabrics, concerning a condition called Polymer Fume Fever. The employee can suffer headaches and nausea from continual exposure to high levels of the polymer fumes. The manufacturer did not feel this would be a problem in the limited exposure from the hot melt technique, but suggested the following precautions be taken:

1. work in a well ventilated area or use a trunk line exhaust system to draw the fumes away from the worker;
2. adjust the temperature to get a melt not a burn. This gives better results and does not produce as many fumes;
3. clean your pen tip regularly with a paper towel. Do not allow excessive resin to build up on the pen tip.