I'll check the MSDS for the make-up of the resin and hardener. I'm guessing there's an accelerator added to the hardener mixture if it's blushless. Wearing a resporator is actually not really doing anything unless you're using, and changing, the filter cartridges. Using a HEPA with a activated carbon works for catching the real fine particulates and most of the chemical constituents, but there is lots that get by after a period of time. That's called "breakthrough" in the parlance of the first-responder. You got to be careful with epoxies...there;'s a percentage that become sensitized to certain classes of chemicals found in the hardeners and have nasty effects.

Looking at the pic, I see that your're wearing a half-mask air purifying respirator. If it irritates your eyes, you should think about a full face air purifier. The fumes are apparently causing a reaction with your tears which I presume is making the pH more basic. You should know that the eyes provide to routes of entry of chemical nasties: direct contact and absorbtion into the blood, and ingestion of the solution via the tear ducts that eventually drain into the back of the throat.

I've been using a air-supplied full-face mask at home for years now, it's great for woodworking with tons of dust in the air, the eyes are protected and the face is cool, too. Also, I have a full face protection of the full face. maybe you should look around for a deal?

Hey, seeing that you're in Portland...is the Tug-Boat Inn still around? It was a little hole-in-the-wall dive across from the Church of Elvis, south from the main Powell's...

: I am using West 105 resin with 207 SC hardener. It isn't so much the smell,
: per se, but the accumulation of fumes in an enclosed area. I found it
: reasonably irritating on the eyes. I don't really find it smells like
: ammonia, but more plastic-like or chemical-like. At least it gives me an
: incentive to always wear my respirator. Here I am in full battle gear
: ready to tape the interior seams.

: Regards,

: Marcel