Washing a new model

[Littlemarten]

I have zero medical training, I took High School Biology in about 1979/1980, so much of what we were taught could even have been superseded by now.

But I adhere to a theory that many do, that cancer has more to do with genetics than environment, it is definitely something you can inherit, but even that is no guarantee. I've known people 90+ who smoked multiple packs of cigarettes a day who have no lung cancer while others get it in their 20s or 30s. Again, I'm making generalizations and assumptions with no formal education on the subject. But observation is a core component of the scientific theory. I just spent all of my science credits in college on Astronomy

Do not take this to mean that I eschew safety equipment, or in the case of toxic chemicals even basic common sense. Do not play with guns, run with scissors, play golf in a lightning storm, or tempt fate in any way. I wear a real respirator (change the cartridges regularly based on use) and have the garage door open if I am spraying lacquers or enamels, and if the acrylic session will be long I open the door, which sucks in Texas summers.

Hence my bullet analogy—don't stand down range. Sad but true: Every day we are bathed in toxic or carcinogenic substances, usually at relatively low concentrations. As for genetics, they do play a role. My father spent most of his adult life working in an environment laden with asbestos particles and smelling of hydrocarbons, including carbon tetrachloride. He also smoked for a time before I was born. No cancer. My mother smoked like a chimney most of her life. No cancer, just emphysema late in life. Yet with that genetic background, I got cancer after lower rates of exposure to carcinogens. I got hit by one of those bullets. Genetics are only one factor, but it also has a lot to do with the variables of exposure, and the strength of the particular carcinogen. Using the example of asbestos, which is a fear buzz word, it's a relatively weak carcinogen. But if it does cause cancer, that particular cancer is particularly nasty. (Sort of sorry about the unintentional pun.)

It's a lot like combat, chances of any one individual getting hit by a bullet are relatively low. But even the most grizzled veterans always keep their heads down.

 

[BarleyBop]

Set up my work area with an under cabinet kitchen fan... I run it just to keep vapors moving outside, and I paint with acrylics by brush.
In my years working in design, I've worked in studios, spray booths, printing houses, silk screen shops and old school photo labs... then bombarded my self in front of CRTs, laser printers and inkjets. I've known guys who literally crawled out of these places on their hands and knees because of carelessness.
My motto is: be safe to the extent you can afford and live some extra quality years enjoying this awesome hobby!
Regarding the initial query, I wash sprues in a small ultrasonic tub, perhaps overkill, but got in the habit in the old days cleaning pen nibs and such.
Just a few drops of detergent does the trick.