I've done kintsugi for years and it's not that extreme. The rash is definitely very similar to poison ivy but not as lingering in my experience.

I'm not sure about immunity either though. Don't allergic reactions get worse with repeated exposure? I've always been careful about it for that reason.

My friend who learned urushi in Japan said they just all started without any protection. I found that repeated small accidents just built up my own immunity. And it turns out that spraying an exposed area with hot water, as hot as you can stand, provides about 12 hours relief from itching.

I had known the word "urushiol", but had not the faintest idea it had a Japanese root. TIL. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicodendron_vernicifluum

Thank you for the warning. I'm planning to get into the hobby with a box of preserved broken objects and that was not something I'm ready for. Has anyone found an alternative lacquer or used biohazard-like PPE and procedures to avoid contact completely?

Personally, I don't think there is anything like it. Since it is an adhesive you can do things like glue broken pottery. Or you can cover it with tiny pieces of egg shell (rankaku). You paint on goo, cure it in warm&humid environment and it becomes food safe, water safe and alcohol safe. The curing changes the formula so it is no longer toxic at all.

I know some people who are very diligent about contact and manage to work without getting a rash. If you want to go that route you have to be very diligent. Apron, gloves, long sleeves, you don't need a mask. The problem for many people comes when their phone rings and they reach into their pocket (true story) or their nose itches. I am not that neat so I just went with it.

Thank you! That sounds very manageable. One trick I learned working with non-volatile hazardous material is apiarist suits. They're cheap on Amazon and the screen is enough to remind me that I'm working with stuff that shouldn't touch my face without being suffocating in the California heat. Though I usually put on a pair of latex gloves instead of the apiarist gloves for better mobility and use a water proof phone for less awkward cleaning.

Are there any English language sites/communities dedicated to kintsugi that I should check out?

I have not been able to find a community. In larger cities you may be able to find a teacher. I found individuals who helped me and a person in Boston. Japanese swords use urushi so you may find some resources among those groups who build those.

You don't need to suit up like it's ebola or whatever. Just wear gloves and be careful about the dust.

You can use cashew lacquer. It has its own pros and cons but isn't as nasty on the skin and overall easier to work with anyway.