I tested superglue which is a solvent-based glue that does cure very fast. If you want something that is lower odor when wet and solvent-free I suggest two alternatives.
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What is Superglue
Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate and methyl-2-cyanoacrylate are the active ingredients in commercial superglues or instant glues. Some of these products contain additives such as fumed silica to make them more viscous or rubber to make them more impact-resistant. (Source)
The compound is combined with alcohol—such as ethanol, methanol, or 2-octanol—to initiate a reaction that forms cyanoacrylate ester molecules. (Source)
Offgassing Time
The polymer forms within a matter of minutes. This means it hardens and cures within minutes. Though it very much depends on the thickness of the application. Very thin layers cure within seconds or minutes. Thicker layers can take much longer.
One company said if there is no hazing around the edges the outgassing will likely stop after about 45 minutes. They said 12 hours should be sufficient to ensure outgassing has stopped.
I still have a very high sense of smell and my non-scientific testing has been very helpful to chemically sensitive people in the past. My judgment time of how long something noticeably offgasses for will be the time that most chemically sensitive people can use as a general rule.
I tested a very thick drop (it was about 4 drops of the first brand below to make up one big droplet). The thickness of the superglue definitely seems to be a big factor in its cure time and offgassing time. Because this was so thick it didn’t cure fast.
The thick drop took about 45 minutes to cure to a point where the smell was extremely subtle. After 2-3 hours I could not pick up any offgassing.
Chemically sensitive folks should have a non-sensitive person make up a sample for them in the thickness of the intended application and test it after it is dry to the touch (at least).
What Does it Offgas
“‘Cyano’ does not refer to cyanide, it refers to cyanoacrylic acid. The compound is combined with alcohol—such as ethanol, methanol, or 2-octanol—to initiate a reaction that forms cyanoacrylate ester molecules.” (Source)
The alcohol fumes will be offgassing and it also offgases formaldehyde (Source).
Here is the New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet for the risks. Note that this is for people working in the factory.
Also note that organic or natural materials, such as cotton and wool, experience a rapid exothermic reaction that generates heat and, potentially, smoke that can cause serious burns or smoke inhalation injuries. (Source)
Brands of Safe Superglues & Alternatives
Loctite Superglue Longneck Bottle
Loctite Superglue is an ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate glue that I have used. My doctor used this brand to glue a straightening strip to my toenail. So I bought this glue for household uses and this is the one I sniff tested.
My testing of a large thick drop took 45 minutes to get to an almost imperceptible amount of offgassting (to me). After 2-3 hours I could not pick up any offgassing at all. Thinner amounts cure even faster.
Glues with an alcohol cure are often preferred by the chemically sensitive because of how fast they cure and offgas.
The VOCS are fairly low at 20g/l.
Better Ultimate Adhesive
Better Ultimate Adhesive is a low-VOC, low-odor glue that can be used as an alternative to superglue in some cases. This is listed as a “silyl-modified polymer base, elastic adhesive” on the SDS from 2017. Exact VOC levels are not listed.
This sounds like it’s a sil-terminated polyether which is an adhesive type well-liked by the chemically sensitive. It has an inherent rubber-like smell that remains after it’s fully cured. Some sensitive folks find that this is suitable for them right away, but other types of polyether adhesive can take up to a week to fully offgas. This does contain some tin and this type of adhesive usually contains phthalates.
Compared to superglue this would not be as strong and it’s also a lot thicker, as superglue can usually get a job done with a very thin layer.
The glue is waterproof and can be used outdoors. They say it’s a strong bond, clear and needs 24 hours to fully cure.
It sticks to wood, leather, rubber, metal, iron, plastic, glass, stone, tile, foam, and more.
Supertite UNIVERSAL ECO GLUE
Supertite Universal Eco Glue is an industrial-strength water-based adhesive (solvent-free). They advertise it as safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. They say it’s odor-free, VOCs are listed as 0 on the SDS; however, there is no indication of the type of adhesive that this is.
The SDS sheet says: “This product is not classified as hazardous to the environment. Do not eat or drink during the process, washing hands afterwards with suitable cleaning products. There are no occupational exposure limits for the substances contained in the product.”
The glue is transparent and provides a long working adjustment time before curing and forms a permanent bond.
It bonds textiles, hard plastics, cardboard, embellishments, beads, wood, metal, cork, ceramics, and more. Not for polished metals and photos.
Provides a permanent bond for large projects but can be dissolved by submerging in water for 15-20 min. They also note to keep it from freezing or heating.
Corinne Segura holds certificates in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
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