Online Art Safety Safety Training
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Art Safety
Art materials are harmful than most people think. Art materials can cause physical injury, illness, or initiate fires. The hazards they affect our health. Some people may be more or less sensitive to the chemicals, depending on physical condition, obesity, medical conditions, drinking and smoking, and pregnancy. Regular exposure to some substances can lead to the development of sensitization such as an allergic rash, or difficulty with breathing. Examples of sensitizers include epoxy resins, nickel salts, isocyanates and formaldehyde. It is essential for the artists, employees, and students to understand art hazards and prevent danger.
Hazards of Arts can be divided into the following areas:
- Craft
- Batik
- Ceramics
- Electroplating
- Enameling
- Forging
- Glassblowing
- Jewelry
- Lapidary
- Lithography
- Lost wax casting
- Neon signs
- Painting
- Photography
- Relief printing
- Screen printing
- Sculpture clay
- Sculpture plastics
- Sculpture stone
- Stained glass
- Weaving
- Welding
- Woodworking
Labor and environmental laws extensively regulate these areas.
Universal Precaution
It is a universal precaution to treat all unknown chemicals as hazardous materials.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The best resource for chemical hazardous assessment information is the MSDS sheet from the chemical manufacturer. Federal law requires all manufacturers and distributors of chemicals to provide Material Safety Data sheets for their users.
A typical MSDS sheet contains:
- Name of the supplier with address and phone number
- Name of the chemical
- Physical and chemical properties
- Physical hazards
- Toxicity data
- Health hazard
- Storage and handling procedures
- Emergency and first aid procedures
- Disposal consideration
- Transportation information
Labels
Retention of manufacturer labels on chemical containers is required by law. The label identifies the hazardous information in words, pictures or symbols. The Fire Department uses diamond-shaped diagram of symbols and numbers, to indicate the degree of hazards associated with a particular chemical or material.
Note: The number zero is used to indicate special hazards, up to four for severe or extreme hazard potential.
Chemical Hazard Diamond
- Health hazard (blue section)
- Flammability (red section)
- Reactivity (yellow section)
- Other (white section)
Read the product label. When possible, choose the safest materials available for use.
Ceramics and clay
Clay
Components
Talc, aluminum silicates, vermiculite, asbestos, kaolin, alumina, diatomaceous earth, and sand
Risks
Chronic exposure to clay, dust, or powder may cause skin irritation, lung infections (asbestosis, silicosis), and cancer.
Precautions/Prevention
- Use engineering control like ventilation or NIOSH-approved toxic dust respirator.
- Use premixed clays to minimize exposure to large amounts of clay dust.
- Do not pulverize dry clay or sand unfired clay either in leather hard or bone-dry condition ("green ware").
- Finish "green ware" while damp/wet.
- Always work with the machine guards on when mixing clay.
- Use a wet mop, rags, or a vacuum with a HEPA filter system while cleaning; do not sweep dust.
- Wear gloves and use moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
- Do not wear loose clothing when working with slab rollers.
Glazes
Components
Mixtures of silica, fluxes, and colorants for finishing or coloring clay
Risks
Mixtures may contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead, uranium, chromium VI, lithium, beryllium, nickel, barium, cobalt, antimony, barium, soda ash, vanadium, potassium carbonate, feldspars, fluorspar and solvents.
Precautions/Prevention - Do not mix different glazes which may cause an unsafe product; if unsure, do not mix. Ensure all finished wares do not leach toxic metals. Use tools with all safety precautions.
Ceramic kilns
Risks
Kiln emissions include chlorine, fluorine, metallic vapor, carbon monoxide, and ozone, which may be inhaled or burn skin, causing injury. Eye exposure by heating ceramic materials to temperatures that cause clay to glow emits infrared radiation.
Precautions/Prevention
Always use kilns in areas equipped with good ventilation.
Appropriate clothing, gloves, and infrared goggles must be worn.
Salt glazing kilns
Risks
Salt kilns generate hydrogen chloride gas, which is toxic if inhaled. Hydrogen chloride gas may combine with water vapor to form hydrochloric acid, which are corrosive to the skin.
Precautions/Prevention
Use ventilation hood in good working order if working with sodium chloride. Seek medical attention if exposure is suspected.
Raku firing
Risks
Smoke and carbon monoxide formed during the Raku process are an inhalation hazard.
Precautions/Prevention
Perform Raku firing outdoors. Avoid using sawdust from wood treated with preservatives or pesticides.
Drawing
Chalk
Components
Dusty chalk contains calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate.
Risk
May cause irritation if inhaled.
Precautions/Preventions
Avoid breathing chalk dust. Wash hands thoroughly after each use
Charcoal
Risks
Dust may cause irritation if inhaled.
Precautions/Prevention
Use wet mop when cleaning. Remove excess dust by tapping, to avoid blowing.
Ink
Risks
Solvent-based inks may be toxic if ingested.
Precautions/Prevention
Use water-based ink.
Markers
Markers contain solvents such as xylene, toluene, or alcohol. These are foul smelling hydrocarbon organic materials.
Precautions/Prevention
Risks
May cause irritation if inhaled.
Use water-based markers.
Pastel
Components
Pigments such as chrome yellow are toxic.
Risks
If containing lead chromate, chronic exposure may cause lung cancer, and skin contact may cause irritation.
Precautions/Prevention
Use appropriate ventilation to reduce the dust, or use National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved dust mask (N95 or higher). Do not blow excess dust; instead, tap drawing.
Alternately, substituting with oil pastels to create less dust.
Pencils
Components
Pencil contain graphite and pigments in colored pencils.
Risks
Graphite and pigment may be an irritant to the skin.
Pens
Risks
Solvent-based inks are highly toxic if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
Precautions/Prevention
Replace with water-based pens.
Spray fixatives
Components
Spray fixative contains solvent.
Risks
Prolonged exposure may be hazardous.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid breathing vapors. Use NIOSH-approved respirator or exhaust fan, or spray booth in good repair.
Metals
Components
Electrolytic treatment of metals is called anodizing.
Risks
The primary electrolytes used in metal cleaners are sulfuric, oxalic, and chromic acids, which are corrosive and may be toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact.
Precautions/Prevention
Use aluminum and magnesium with titanium coatings to form a heavy stable metal oxide coating.
Some metals are flammable. Beware of potential fire hazards: wear gloves, goggles, and apron.
Electroplating
Components
Ingredients in electroplating solutions contain copper sulfate, sulfuric acid, and cyanide.
Risks
When using cyanide plating solution, ensure appropriate ventilation.
Sulfuric acid is corrosive if it comes in contact with skin, eyes, mucous membrane, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts.
Forging or smithing
Risks
Furnaces used for forging with heat may release metal fumes and toxic gases like carbon monoxide and infrared radiation.
Precautions/Prevention
Beware of fire and thermal hazards.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide.
Ensure good ventilation and wear protective clothing, gloves, earplugs, infrared goggles, and a face shield.
Foundry
Components
Mold types are typically composed of channel, cuttlebone, sand, and lost wax.
Risks
Potential reagents associated with mold-making include exposure to silica, formaldehyde, isocyanates, asbestos, and resins.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid casting in lead.
Potential toxic gases are hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide may form while molding.
Ensure good ventilation, use respirator, and wear protective clothing, gloves, and goggles.
Gilding
Risks
Potential health effects from inhalation exposure to mercury include swollen gums, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, bronchitis, pneumonitis, and nervous system problems.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid using mercury. Maintain good ventilation while working with mercury.
Store mercury in closed containers.
Mercury spills should be handled carefully; contact Risk Management Services (940-565-2109) immediately for cleanup.
Grinding and polishing
Risks
Lead and cadmium are poisonous; avoid using with grinding and polishing activities.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear appropriate clothing and eye protection. Avoid exposure to metal dust and fumes.
Do not sweep dust; use wet mopping or HEPA-equipped vacuum.
Melting or pouring metal
Risks
Furnace and metal fumes are toxic, if inhaled. Furnaces can cause heat stress and emit infrared radiation.
Precautions/Prevention
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide.
Ensure appropriate ventilation and wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection.
Beware of fire and thermal hazards.
Niello
Risks
Grinding generates toxic sulfate dust or lead fumes when heated.
Protection
Ensure appropriate ventilation and wear a NIOSH-approved respirator. Wear protective clothing and eye protection.
Patina
Components
Patina chemicals are ammonium sulfide, ammonium hydroxide, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, barium sulfide, chromium VI compounds, copper compounds, ferric chloride, hydrogen peroxide, lead acetate, potassium sulfide, nitric acid, oxalic acid, potassium ferricyanide, sodium hydroxide, and zinc chloride.
Risks
Most are toxic by ingestion, inhalation, skin, or eye contact.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear protective clothing and eye protection.
Pickling
Components
Includes sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and sodium bisulfate.
Risks
Concentrated acids are corrosive. Hydrofluoric acid can cause toxicity throughout the body like hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid cyanide containing metal cleaning solutions. Use steel wool to clean metal instead of chemicals.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, apron, and NOISH-approved respirator. Have eyewash station and emergency shower available while using concentrated acids.
Soldering
Components
Metals: cadmium, lead, silver, antimony, and zinc
Fluxes: zinc chloride, rosin, and fluoride
Cleaners/Degreasers: solvents and acids.
Precautions/Prevention
Use lead- and cadmium-free solder. Avoid fluxes with fluoride.
Do not mix fluxes; potentially toxic vapors may form.
Silver salt may discolor the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Wear eye protection and gloves.
Maintain good ventilation.
Welding
Risks
Gases and fumes from gas cylinders, vaporized metals and fluxes are toxic. Byproducts from welding stainless have been known to be carcinogenic. Infrared and ultraviolet radiation generated during welding are an eye hazard.
Precautions/Prevention
Follow the safety standards established by federal, state, local governments, American Welding Society, and National Fire Protection Association.
Use care when handling gas cylinders like oxygen, acetylene, propane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc...
Wear protective clothing and eye protection. Wear goggles or face shield. Noise can damage hearing. Wear fire-resistant earplugs.
Ensure appropriate ventilation for protection from potentially dangerous gases, metal fumes, and heat.
Paints
Acrylics (water-based)
Components
May contain ammonia and formaldehyde.
Risks
May cause respiratory irritation and cause allergies.
Precautions/Prevention
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Acrylics (solvent-based) and Alkyds
Components
Contains solvents to include turpentine, xylene, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone.
Risks
Toxic if inhaled.
Protections
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Caseins
Components
Contains dried milk, pigments, and preservatives.
Risks
May be hazardous to people with asthma. May be dissolved in ammonium hydroxide, which causes irritation.
Encaustics
Components
Consists of a suspension of pigments in wax.
Risks
Wax decomposition materials like acrolein, formaldehyde, and pigment fumes formed from heating or touching the wax may cause respiratory irritation.
Precautions/Prevention
Minimize vapor formation by heating the wax to the minimum temperature required for melting.
Avoid open flames when melting wax. Use a double boiler.
Potentially a burn hazard.
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Epoxy paints
Components
Includes a pigment-containing epoxy resin, which may consist of diglycidyl ethers, and a hardener.
Risks
Hardeners may cause respiratory irritation and skin or respiratory allergies. Diglycidyl ether is highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin or eye contact. It may cause a number of health effects including dermal burns, severe eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and skin sensitization.
Precautions/Prevention
Ensure appropriate ventilation and a NIOSH-approved respirator is worn.
Latex paints
Components
Consists of water emulsions of plastic resins, pigments, and about 5% to 15% solvents, including glycol ethers.
Risks
Glycol ethers are toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by skin contact.
Precautions/Prevention
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Water-based paints
Components
Use formaldehyde-free products when possible.
Risks
Some water-based paints may contain formaldehyde as a preservative, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Precautions/Prevention
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Oils
Components
Contains pigments, fillers, and solvents including paint thinner, turpentine, and mineral spirits.
Risks
Some pigments and solvents are toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin.
Precautions/Prevention
Remove paint from hands with vegetable or baby oil or non-toxic soaps and detergent cleaners rather than with solvents.
Ensure appropriate ventilation and use a NOISH-approved respirator.
Tempera paints
Components
Contain emulsions of oils, or wax, egg or gum casein and preservatives.
Risks
Preservatives may cause allergic reactions in sensitive persons.
Fresco paints
Components
Contain powdered pigments and limewater.
Risks
Powdered lime and limewater are corrosive and may be toxic by ingestion, inhalation, skin or eye contact.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear gloves and goggles to protect the eyes and skin. Do not ingest or inhale liquid or fumes.
Varnishes, lacquers
Components
Some contain solvents like turpentine, methanol, ethyl alcohol, toluene, and mineral spirits.
Risks
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and/or by skin contact or absorption.
Potential of flammability.
Precautions/Prevention
Use gloves and a NIOSH-approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge.
Remove lacquers from hands with vegetable, baby oil or nontoxic soaps and detergent cleaners. Wash hands with soap if solvents get on hand.
Dispose of solvents properly; contact RMS (940-565-4751) for more information on how to dispose of chemicals.
Watercolors and gouache
Components
Watercolors in dry cake form contain pigments, preservatives, and binders like gum Arabic and gum tragacanth. Water, glycerin, and glucose are also included in liquid watercolor formulations.
Gouache contains pigments, gums, preservatives, glycerin, and opacifiers (e.g., chalk and talc).
Some paints contain small amounts of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde as preservatives.
Risks
Pigments are toxic by inhalation. Gum Arabic and gum tragacanth may cause skin irritation and allergies.
Paint stripping
Components
Ingredients in paint stripping formulations include solvents like acetone, methanol, toluene, methylene chloride, N-methylpyrrolidone, or dibasic esters.
Risks
Methylene chloride is toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure, and is a carcinogen in humans. Irritant to eyes, nose, skin, and lungs, and are also corrosive.
May produce adverse cardiovascular effects, cause liver and kidney damage after prolonged exposure, and is metabolized to carbon monoxide.
N-methylpyrrolidone can cause skin blistering or burning.
Precautions/Preventions
People with heart, lung, and blood problems should avoid methylene chloride.
Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator, and avoid prolonged use of and exposure to stripping material. Do not ingest or get on skin.
Solvent-based paint strippers are flammable.
Precautions/Prevention
Use products with methylene chloride and solvents outdoors.
Wear gloves and goggles.
Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator, and avoid prolonged use of and exposure to stripping material. Do not ingest or get on skin.
Have an eyewash and shower available.
Painting
General precautions
The potential hazards from paint are primarily associated with solvents such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols, and pigments like lead carbonate, chrome yellow, and cobalt arsenate.
Small amounts of formaldehyde, bleach and phenol used as preservatives in some paints may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mercury compounds for interior-use wall paint have been prohibited by the EPA since 1990.
Spraypainting or airbrushing
Components
Include spray guns, airbrushes, and aerosol spray cans for paint application.
Risks
Aerosol spraypaints contain propellants or pigments like isobutanes and propane that are toxic if inhaled. Fine particles from the spraying may remain airborne up to 2 hours.
Inhalation hazard; may cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and breathing problems.
Propellants in aerosol spray may be flammable.
Precautions/Prevention
Dry pigments, dyes and powders are easy to inhale; try using premixed paints. Replace solvent-based paint with water-based paint.
For a good work practice, it is recommended to use spraypaint/airbrushes outdoors or within a spray booth or a fume hood. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator for this activity.
Wear protective clothing and gloves to prevent skin contact.
Ensure appropriate ventilation, especially when spraying or airbrushing paint.
Remove paint from hands with vegetable or baby oil before washing with soap and water.
Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits.
Be aware of the flammability of solvents.
Photographic Materials
Mixing developing powders
Risks
Developing powders are highly alkaline and can cause chemical burns. Powders may be toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid photochemicals with the greatest toxicity potential, e.g. chromic acid, cyanide, and lead. Use a glove box to mixed powdered developers or use solutions when possible.
Maintain good ventilation for this activity and use a NIOSH-approved respirator. Wear eye protection, gloves, and an apron. Have an eyewash and shower available.
Film developers
Components
Chemicals used in developing film contain hydroquinone (a mutagen), N-methyl-p-aminophenol, sodium sulfite, sodium carbonate, and potassium bromide.
Risks
Many developers cause skin/eye irritation and allergic reactions.
Precautions/Prevention
Use tongs to handle prints. Keep eyewash available.
Stop baths
Components
Stop baths usually contain acetic acid and may contain potassium chrome alum as a hardener.
Risks
Potassium chrome alum is toxic by inhalation or skin contact. Concentrated acetic acid is highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin.
Precautions/Prevention
Use solutions with 50% or less acetic acid. Keep baths covered when not in use to prevent toxic vapors by evaporation.
Fixers
Components
Fixers include hypo or sodium thiosulfate (fixer agent), acetic acid (neutralizer), sodium sulfate or sodium bisulfate (preservatives), potassium aluminum sulfate (hardener), and boric acid (buffer).
Risks
Decomposition of sulfites can form sulfur dioxide gas which may cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Acetic and boric acids are toxic if ingested.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear gloves and goggles. Ensure proper ventilation.
Keep baths covered when not in use to prevent evaporation of toxic vapors.
Intensifiers and reducers
Components
Intensifiers include hydrochloric acid, potassium dichromate, potassium chlorochromate, and mercuric chloride. Reducers include potassium ferricyanide, ammonium or potassium persulfate, potassium permanganate, and sulfuric acid.
Risks
Potassium dichromate and hexavalent chromium compounds are human carcinogens.
Potassium chlorochromate and potassium ferricyanide can release toxic gases like chlorine and hydrogen cyanide when heated, combined with acid, or when exposed to strong UV light.
Mercury compounds are toxic. Avoid intensifiers with mercury, cyanide, or uranium.
Hydrochloric acid, potassium dichromate, potassium chlorochromate, and sulfuric acid are corrosive.
Potassium permangate and ammonium persulfate are powerful oxiders which can cause fires or explosions when in contact with organic or other oxidizable materials.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear gloves and goggles.
Ensure darkroom has good ventilation exhausts contaminated air at the rate of at least 10 room volume changes per hour.
Tones
Components
The toning process involves replacing silver in a print with another metal such as gold, brown silver sulfide, selenium, uranium lead, cobalt, platinum, or iron. Toners may contain thiourea, a compound similar to urea.
Risks
Sulfides may release toxic hydrogen sulfide gas during toning or when combined with acid.
Selenium my release sulfur dioxide gas and in combination with acid my form hydrogen selenide gas.
Gold and platinum salts are skin sensitizers.
Precautions/Prevention
Use gloves, goggles, respirator, glove box, acid-proof apron, and ensure proper ventilation for this activity.
Ensure sulfide and selenium toners are not contaminated with acids. Always add acid to water. Do not add acid to bleach and do not heat acid.
Rinse prints well between bleaching and developing.
Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected electrical outlets to avoid electrocution.
Printmaking
Techniques include lithography, intaglio, silkscreen, and relief.Inks
Components
Pigments, dyes
Risks
Some ink pigments (e.g. chrome-, or cobalt-containing) and dyes may be toxic.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid lead-containing pigments. Use premixed and water-based inks when possible. Use a glove box, or a toxic dust respirator, and ensure appropriate ventilation when working with powdered pigments. Do not sweep powders. Use a wet mop to clean spills. Wear appropriate gloves or use barrier cream to protect hands.
Vehicles/modifiers
Components
Common vehicles include mixtures of oils, solvents and oils, and polymer emulsions.
Additives include stabilizers, preservatives, plasticizers, and fillers.
Modifiers such as oils, solvents, driers, anti skinning agents, tack reducers and stiffeners (e.g. petroleum jelly and vegetable shortening), may be added to vehicles to alter their performance.
Risks
Solvents may be toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
Some vehicles may be flammable.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid driers with lead or manganese.
Avoid open flame and place oil-soaked rags in special disposal cans or pails of water. Use appropriate gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator.
Lithography (Drawing materials)
Components
Lithographic crayons and pencils contain pigment like lead chromate, lampblack, zinc chromate.
Risks
Solvents like turpentine in lithographic tusches are toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Lithographic crayons and pencils contain pigments are toxic and have carcinogenic potential.
Precautions/Prevention
Wear protective clothing and gloves. Avoid skin contact with solvents and lampblack. Ensure appropriate ventilation and use a NIOSH-approved respirator when airbrushing.
Photolithography
Components
Emulsions include powdered albumin, ammonia, water, ammonium dichromate, diazo compounds, and plate conditioners with strong alkali.
Solvents may be a component of the developing solutions.
Risks
Solvents may be toxic and flammable.
Strong alkali like concentrated ammonia is corrosive and toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin or eye contact.
Ammonia less than 3% can be irritating. Ammonium dichromate is corrosive and toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin or eye contact. Ammonium dichromate is flammable and a strong oxidizer.
Hexavalent chromium compounds are carcinogens.
Carbon arc lights used in photolithography generate potentially toxic fumes like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, metal, ozone and ultraviolet radiation.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid using photolithographic lights, or ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Use gloves, welding goggles, an exhaust hood, plastic apron, and a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Intaglio
Components
Intaglio involves the use of etches like acids, Dutch mordant, ferric chloride and resists (to protect unetched plate areas such as stopout varnishes containing solvents), grounds with asphaltum dust, rosin dust, or spray paints for aquatinting.
Risks
Rosin and asphaltum dusts may cause respiratory effects like irritation if inhaled. Rosin may cause asthma and dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
When confined in an aquatint box resin or asphaltum dust may explode from sparks or static electricity.
Solvents are toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin or eye contact and some solvents are flammable.
Ferric chloride may cause may cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. Etching with nitric acid may release nitrogen dioxide, which may be toxic by inhalation.
Dust mordant, an etching product containing potassium chlorate, hydrochloric acid and water is corrosive. Toxic chlorine gas is released during preparation.
Hydrofluoric acid used for etching are corrosive and cause systemic toxicity.
Nitric acid may ignite or combust when mixed with other materials including some solvents and acids.
Precautions/Prevention
Use an explosion-proof box when using rosin or asphaltum dusts.
Wear gloves, goggles, and apron, and have an eyewash fountain and emergency shower available.
Ensure appropriate ventilation when acid etching and applying stopouts or grounds.
Avoid using Dutch mordant or use with extreme caution.
Photoetching
Components
Photoresist dyes and developers contain solvents including glycol ether acetates, xylene, and benzaldehyde.
Risks
These are toxic when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed via skin contact.
Some methylene and ethylene ether acetates can cause adverse reproductive effects like birth defects and low sperm counts.
Carbon arc lights generate toxic fumes like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, metal, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid using carbon arc lights, or ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity and wear welder's goggles.
Ensure appropriate ventilation and wear gloves and a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Drypoint, engraving, and mezzotint
Risks
Metal dust generated may be irritating when inhaled.
Precautions/Prevention
Use a respirator or mask for protection.
Repetitive movements from long-term tool use may cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Avoid laceration injuries by using a clamp plate to prevent slipping, cutting away from the body, keeping tools sharp, and storing tools with guards.
Sculpture
Methods for finishing plaster include painting, powdered pigments, addition of dyes to the plaster, preparing patinas with shellac/acrylic sprays or mixtures containing water, glue, lacquer, alcohol, or bronzing liquids.
Components
Plaster or plaster mold-making contain calcium sulfate which occurs naturally as gypsum.
In addition, other substances may be added:
- To hasten, e.g. salt or potassium alum;
- To delay, e.g. borax, diluted acetic acid, or burnt lime setting of the plaster; and
- To provide texture e.g. silica sand, vermiculite, coarse stone.
Polymer clays consist of fine particles of polyvinyl chloride suspended in plasticizers.
Risks
Plaster and calcium sulfate dust may be irritating to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract.
Casting body parts may cause thermal burns from the heat released during setting.
Potassium alum may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Concentrated solutions of acetic acid are corrosive and may be highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. Borax and lime may be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. Silica sand and vermiculite dust are toxic if inhaled.
Precautions/Prevention
When working with plaster, use an appropriate dust mask, vacuum, and wet mop.
Avoid sweeping.
Protect hands with gloves.
Use white petrolatum, e.g. petroleum jelly, to protect the skin, then apply plaster-impregnated bandages.
When modeling or carving stone or plaster, carve away from the body and wear goggles to protect the eyes from flying chips of the sculpture material.
Benzine (petroleum ether), a component of mold releases, is flammable and is toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin.
Lacquers contain solvents that are flammable and toxic if inhaled.
To avoid inhalation of powdered pigments/dyes and solvents when spraying, use an appropriate dust mask, gloves, goggles, spray booth, and a respirator. Maintain good ventilation and keep solvents away from flame.
Brush or dip plaster instead of spraying.
Textiles
Natural Fibers
Components
Animal fibers (includes angora, camel hair, horsehair, wool, other).
Vegetable fibers (cotton, flax, hemp, jute, sisal, others)
Risks
A risk of anthrax exists from wool or hair from diseased animals.
Precautions/Prevention
Use prewashed and disinfected fibers. Fibers may be contaminated with mold and spores that can cause allergic reactions or possibly disease.
Synthetic fibers
Components
Acetate, acrylics, nylon, polyester, rayon, triacetate, other.
Risks
Inhalation of dusts can cause respiratory effects.
Chronic exposure can lead to lung disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, which may be caused by fungus, mildew, dyes, fiber treatments, etc...
Flax is toxic if inhaled.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid formaldehyde-treated fibers.
Store in a clean, dry location. Avoid dust, Ensure appropriate ventilation, and use a dust mask, a vacuum, and a wet mop.
Buy washed and disinfected fibers when possible.
Eye strain and joint pain are commonly experienced with sewing and needlework crafts. Take regular breaks and avoid prolonged repetition by varying techniques and motions.
Consider periodic pulmonary function testing to monitor possible adverse effects on lungs.
Dyeing
Components
Classes of dyes include acid, azoic, basic, direct, disperse, fiber reactive, mordant, and vat.
Risks
Acids and bases used in some classes of dyeing are corrosive and can cause burns.
Some dyes can be allergens or carcinogenic.
Precautions/Prevention
Batik dyeing involves using heated wax and possibly solvents for wax removal. Be aware of potential fire hazards and the emission of irritating vapors from heating the wax. Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity.
Disharge dyeing involves removing colors from fabric with bleach or other chemicals. Household bleach (5%) are irritating to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Do not heat bleach solutions or add ammonia or acid to bleach. Use a canopy hood over a dye bath.
Some van dyes must be oxidized with dichromate salts to produce color. Dichromate salts are corrosive and are toxic after an exposure.
Be careful not to splash when tie dying.
When possible, use premixed dyes. Mix powders in a glove box, hood, or use a respirator.
Hexavalent chromium compounds are human carcinogens. If possible, oxidize with heat and air instead.
Wear gloves, goggles, respirator, and protective clothing when dyeing to avoid skin/eye exposures.
Avoid sweeping. Use a HEPA vacuum or a wet mop to clean floors.
Waxes
Components
Various waxes are used for sculpting, casting, making candles, etc..., including beeswax, carnauba, tallow, synthetic chlorinated, and paraffin.
Wax additives include rosin, dyes, and solvents.
Solvents used to dissolve wax include alcohol, acetone, and turpentine.
Risks
Solvents may cause irritation if inhaled and are risks for fire or combustion if combined with heat or flame.
Overheated wax may explode near an open flame.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid using synthetic chlorinated waxes. Be aware of the potential hazards associated with solvents.
Choose the safest solvent and use the least amount necessary for the job.
Avoid carbon tetrachloride.
Wax becomes a potential hazard when it is overheated and releases vapors, e.g. acrolein, wax fumes, and formaldehyde, which can cause lung irritation and other respiratory problems.
Avoid overheating wax; do not use an open flame to melt wax.
Use appropriate protection and ensure appropriate ventilation when working with wax and solvents.
Woodworking
Components
Include framing, sculpting, furniture-making, etc..., using various types of hard and soft woods, exotic woods, plywood, composition board, etc...
Wood dust contains a variety of substances including cellulose, lignin, fatty acids, sterols, alcohols, terpenes, tannins, and alkaloids.
Risks
Inhalation of wood dust may irritate the lungs and cause respiratory effects.
Occupational exposures like furniture and cabinet-making to some hardwood dusts have been associated with cancer of the nasal cavities and sinuses.
Numerous hardwood dusts (exotic woods) are sensitizers that can cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis, hay fever, conjunctivitis, and asthma.
Numerous physical hazards exist when using saws, hammers, chisels, glues, varnishes and strippers, heating and other types of tools used to work with wood and iron.
Preventions
Use common woods rather than exotic woods.
Constituents of some hardwoods may cause headaches, nausea, cardiac symptoms, etc...
Avoid inhaling wood dust by using a NIOSH-approved toxic dust respirator or ensure appropriate ventilation.
Use gloves or barrier cream to protect hands.
Never defeat protective equipment included with saws or other types of power tool equipment. Use eye shielding when cutting, chipping, chiseling, hammering or other types of woodworking activity that may cause wood pieces to splinter or shatter.
Plywood and composition boards
Risks
Formaldehyde is toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin/eye contact.
Potential health effects include respiratory, eye, and skin irritation/burning depending on the concentration, allergic reactions, e.g. dermatitis, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and CNS depression.
Formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans.
Decomposition from working with materials, e.g. sanding, machining plywood/composition boards, may release vapors such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and phenol.
Precautions/Prevention
Use wood products with a low formaldehyde content.
Store wood in a well-ventilated area. Exhaust dust to the outdoors.
Wood preservatives
Risks
Preservatives and pesticides are sometimes applied to wood under pressure to protect from rotting, termites, etc. Such chemicals are potentially toxic.
Precautions/Prevention
Be aware of the chemicals in the wood you use. Look for the most current information on any potentially hazardous components.
To avoid inhalation or skin/eye exposures, do not machine, e.g. sand, saw, drill, or burn, etc..., preserved wood that contains potentially toxic chemicals.
Gluing wood
Components
Glues used for wood include epoxies, contact adhesives, cyanoacrylates, and formaldehyde-resin.
Risks
Some contact adhesives and other glues (some epoxies) contain hexane solvents that may be toxic if inhaled and are also flammable. Use water-based glues.
Cyanoacrylate found in instant glue may cause adhesion to skin and/or eyelid mucous membranes.
Formaldehyde is toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin/eye contact. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans.
Potential health effects include respiratory, eye and skin irritation/burning, and allergic reactions.
Precautions/Prevention
Avoid formaldehyde-resin glues. Wear appropriate protection: use gloves, barrier cream, goggles, and a NIOSH-approved toxic dust mask.
Ensure appropriate ventilation for this activity. Avoid smoking, open flames, or other ignition sources when using glues containing flammable solvents.
