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The acids and alkalis used in ceramics, photochemicals, paint removers, and similar materials can be very damaging to the skin, eyes, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal system.  Strong acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, and perchloric acid, require special handling as outlined in the SDS. Alkalis, such as caustic potash, caustic soda, quicklime, and lye, also require special treatment.  ALWAYS add acid to water—not water to acid—when mixing chemicals, to avoid excessive heat generation and acid spattering.

Aerosols, such as fixatives, paints, and adhesive sprays, as well as the mists produced by air brushes and spray guns, are potentially dangerous if someone inhales them. Use aerosol sprays in well ventilated areas and specifically designated and certified spray booths/fume hoods.

An inventory of laser cutters and 3D printers is kept by EHS.  Please email safety@andrew.cmu.edu before you purchase this equipment.

 

Hazards of paints and pigments vary depending upon the ingredients and possible routes and levels of exposure.  Some ingredients may prove more hazardous than others.  Substitution of less hazardous materials should always be considered first.  Additionally, modification of the procedure can reduce exposure.  Special care must be taken to prevent aerosolization of paints and pigments, as inhalation tends to be the most hazardous exposure route.  Accidental ingestion of paints or pigment must also be prevented.  Do not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, or handle contact lenses while painting or drawing.

The table below outlines common pigments and their hazardous chemical component (See SDS for exact product specifications.):

Hazardous Chemical	Associated Hazards	Pigment
Arsenic	Toxic (ingestion/inhalation), Eye/skin/lung irritant,  Suspected carcinogen, Environmental hazard	Emerald Green Cobalt Violet
Antimony	Acutely toxic (dermal), Skin/eye irritant, Carcinogen	True Naples Yellow
Cadmium	Suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin, Harmful to the skin/eyes/lungs	All Cadmium Pigments
Chromium	Serious skin/eye irritant	Zinc Yellow Strontium Yellow Chrome Yellow
Cobalt	Serious skin/eye irritant	Cobalt Violet Cobalt Green Cobalt Yellow Cobalt Blue
Lead	Reproductive toxin, Organ damage with prolonged exposure, Environmental hazard	Falk White Lead White Creminitz White Mixed White
Manganese	Highly flammable and highly reactive (powder form), Skin/eye irritant, Environmental hazard	Manganese Blue Manganese Violet Burnt Umber Raw Umber Mars Brown
Mercury	Corrosive, Central nervous system, liver, and kidney damage, Toxic (inhalation), Irritant and possible burns by all routes of exposure	Vermilion Cadmium Vermilion Red

Photochemicals have been particularly associated with skin irritation and respiratory illnesses. The greatest hazards associated with photography include the preparation and use of concentrated chemical solutions. Only handle chemical powders or solutions with gloved hands. In addition, take care not to stir up and inhale chemical dusts.
**IMPORTANT:  Proper local exhaust ventilation and access to an eyewash is essential when working with photographic chemicals!
The following is a list of photographic agents with their most common ingredients and related hazards:

• Developer: Often highly alkaline—common ingredients are hydroquinone and sodium sulfite; moderately to highly toxic; may cause skin irritation and allergic sensitization
• Stop-bath: Primarily acetic acid; may cause dermatitis and skin ulceration and can severely irritate the respiratory system; contamination by developer components can increase inhalation hazards
• Fixer: Contains sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite and may also contain potassium aluminum sulfate as a hardener and boric acid as a buffer; releases sulfur dioxide gas; highly irritating to the lungs
• Intensifier: Contains extremely hazardous components such as mercuric chloride, mercuric iodide, potassium cyanide, sodium cyanide and uranium nitrate; vapors are extremely toxic, corrosive, and can cause lung cancer over long period of exposure
• Reducer: Contains toxic chemicals such as alkali cyanide salts and carbon tetrachloride (known/suspected carcinogens); exposure to heat, acid, or UV light produces poisonous gases
• Toners: Contains metals such as gold, selenium, uranium, lead, cobalt, platinum or iron which replace silver on the image; highly toxic
• Hardeners and stabilizers: Contain formaldehyde; poisonous, skin irritant, and known carcinogen

Hazards of plastics primarily exist during the formation of plastic polymers, when plastics are manipulated, and through exposure to heat, acid, etc.  Most hazards associated with making plastics come from the monomers (building blocks of polymers), solvents, fillers, catalysts, and hardeners that are commonly toxic. The hazards involved with finished plastics result mainly from the methods used to work the plastic. For example, overheating or burning plastic produces toxic gases.  Polishing, sanding, and cutting plastic produces harmful dusts.

Specific types of plastics, such as acrylics and epoxy resins, have their own sets of hazards. For example, the components in acrylic include irritants, explosives, and flammables.  The main hazard associated with acrylics is inhalation. Always maintain good ventilation when working with acrylic.

Epoxy resins used in laminating, casting, glues, and lacquer coatings are also skin irritants, sensitizers, and suspected cancer-causing agents. Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Talk to EH&S about protective measures when working with these materials.

Pottery clay contains silicates that can be hazardous if inhaled. Many low-fire clays and slip-casting clays also contain talc, which may be contaminated with asbestos. Long-term inhalation of asbestos can cause cancer and respiratory diseases. Other toxic components, such as dioxin, barium, and metal oxides, may be added to or naturally present in pottery clays.  Proper ventilation is key when working with clay at any stage.  Working with dry clay should be avoided.

Pottery glazes also may harbor harmful pigments (see Paints and Pigments section), lead, and free silica—including flint, feldspar, and talc.

Toxic vapors, metal fumes, and gases are often produced during the firing process. Ensure that all kilns are properly ventilated. In addition, use infrared goggles or a shield to look in the kiln peephole. Proper eye protection will help prevent cataracts.

While perhaps the most widely used group of chemicals in an art studio, solvents and their associated hazards, often go overlooked.  The general definition of a solvent is a liquid substance in which other substances (liquid or solid) can be dissolved.  Solvents can be natural or synthetic and are found in a large range of products, from paints, to inks, to varnishes, to aerosol-spray adhesives, to fabric dyes, and more.  Most solvents are toxic if swallowed or inhaled in sufficient quantities. They can also cause nervous system damage, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, cancer, and dermatitis.

Choose solvents with high Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), low evaporation rates, high flashpoints (temperature at which substance spontaneously ignites), and low toxicity.  For example, use ethanol or isopropanol over benzene.

Physical hazards, such as excessive noise from woodworking tools, sawdust production, risks of burns and cuts, etc., are much more notorious and well-known in a woodshop environment than the chemical hazards.  However, an ample number of chemicals are present and should be of concern.  Natural chemicals present in the wood itself, such as terpenes, phenols, and phthalic acid esters, all have exhibited negative biological effects on people exposed to these constituents.  However, chemicals used to treat woods, including fire retardants, pesticides, and preservatives, often are of the greatest concern.  These additives can range from relatively safe to highly toxic.  Preservatives, such as arsenic compounds and creosote, may cause cancer and reproductive problems.  Epoxy resins and solvent-based adhesives also pose potential hazards.  Use dust collectors around woodworking machines, ensure proper ventilation, and wear personal protective equipment, as appropriate.  Also develop a preventative maintenance schedule to empty and change the filter for these dust collectors frequently, as they could present a fire hazard if they become clogged or are not functioning properly. The maintenance schedule should correspond with hours of use, frequency of use, and materials used.  Seek help from EHS to determine risks and protection measures.