When I was an art student in the 1967 there was not a lot of attention being paid to the subject of health hazards in the art studio or print shop. Most of us were in the habit of getting our hands dirty with ink and paint. In fact, wearing gloves to prevent hands from getting ink stained was definitely not considered “cool” or practical. Inky hands were a badge of honor for some of us.
No one wore a mask when using sprays. There were exhaust fans above the acid tanks, but when people applied undiluted nitric acid directly to an etching plate or used it with lithographic stones, no special precautions were taken. In addition, talc was freely dusted on lithographic stones. The ceramic studio frequently had a haze of clay dust in the air and students mixed their own glazes using lead, cadmium and other toxic metals to achieve beautiful color.Solvents were freely poured to clean equipment and the smell of turpentine and linseed oil permeated the air of the painting studios.
I had thought that by now these hazards had been recognized in schools and by artists and hobbyists who use arts and crafts materials in their creative work. For the most part, people who use arts and crafts materials such as modeling clays, ceramics, plastics, acrylics, solvents, inks, paints and other substances that are potentially hazardous are aware of the danger to their health and take precautions to limit the exposure.
However, a recent conversation with my granddaughter who is a college art student did cause me to realize that the problem still exists. She took a printmaking class last spring and was showing me her work. I asked her if she wore gloves when she wiped her etching plates and whether students wore masks when using kerosene and other solvents.
Her response was that she wouldn’t think of using gloves nor would she wear a mask. It just was not done. I also learned that there was a lot of dust in the ceramic studio, but lead glazes are probably not being used. Although I thought things had changed I guess there is still a lot of work to be done in educating artists and crafts people about the need to be careful of hazardous materials in the work place.
The list of materials that cause adverse health effects in arts and crafts workers is extremely long. It includes materials that damage lungs, the heart, skin, mucous membranes, the central nervous system, kidneys, the liver, gastro-intestinal system, and every other part of the human body. In some cases the materials used are cumulative and they become more dangerous the longer they are used.
How can people who enjoy working in the arts and crafts stay healthy while using these materials? What can hobbyists and professional artists do to protect themselves while still creating beautiful art and craft objects?
What can be done?
I have compiled a general list of some of the things that artists and crafts people ought to be aware of with regard to these hazards.
Determine the nature of the materials used.
Find out the toxicity of the materials used, especially if it is used over a period of time, and if it is hazardous, use it sparingly. The smallest amount possible. Also, use it in the form least capable of getting into the body. Liquid form rather than as an aerosol--solid rather than as a dust or powder.
If it has a strong odor and irritates the eyes or membranes of the nose, it is probably irritating to the lungs. However, even if it has a pleasant odor or doesn’t smell, that does not mean it is harmless. Aerosol sprays can paralyze the sense of smell and thus eliminate the body’s warning system, making the danger to the lungs even greater.
I have often walked into an auto repair shop where the odor of solvents and lacquer is so strong that I get an immediate headache. When I mention it to the mechanic I am told that they don’t smell anything.
Hygiene in the Workplace
Store all liquid materials in sealed containers. Never leave open containers of solvents with brushes soaking in them. I always clean my brushes after every session and clean up the space to get ready for the next day. Be sure everything is labeled properly. All powders should be covered, particularly fine sand, powdered clay, raw earth, talc and kaolin. Asbestos should never be used and silica particles should also be banned from the workplace. Be aware of products other people use in a shared workspace and enforce the rules.
I once shared a studio space with a sculptor who used silica called Cabocil that has permanently scarred my lungs. At the time I was unaware that she was using this product.
Personal Hygiene
Wear Disposable Gloves.
Years ago when doctors were advised to use disposable gloves there was some resistance, I am sure. Today, I have not been to a dentist or doctor who did not wear disposable gloves. It is the norm. It ought to be the norm in the arts. Wear gloves when using all solvents.
Do Not Bring Food into the Work area.
It is not uncommon for everyone to want to have their coffee or tea handy while working, but it is not a good idea.
Do Not Smoke in the Work Area.
Wear Protective Clothing.
Wash your protective clothing frequently.
I usually lay disposable paper or plastic out on the worktable for easier cleanup. It uses less solvent and is fast.
Vacuum or damp mop a dusty work place. Sweeping with a broom will increase airborne dust.
Wear Protective Devices
Safety goggles should be used when grinding, welding, and sanding. Wear a mask when using powders, aerosols, dusts, and any material that has noxious fumes. There are many types of masks available and information about the kinds and uses can be found on the Internet.
Have Adequate Ventilation
Many artists and hobbyists work in confined spaces. In many cases, an open window is not enough ventilation. It is important to have an exhaust fan vented to the outside, pretty much like a clothes dryer. A simple system can be set up in most spaces and it is definitely an important feature of any studio.
Even materials like acrylic paint and watercolor paint can have some toxic things in them. All precautions apply to these products as well.
Artists need to be aware of steps they can take to prevent illness and damage to their health while enjoying the freedom of creativity and inventiveness that is inherent in the life of an artist.
A search on the subject of health hazards in the arts will yield a wealth of information regarding products and associated hazards as well as links to many articles with suggestions for improving the safety of the workplace.
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Contributor's Note
I have become allergic to all solvents as a result of the cumulative effect of using them for many years.
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