Office or Environmental Health and Safety

Graphic Art Safety

The art supplies and chemicals associated with graphic media are often extremely hazardous. Depending on the type of art materials used, artists can develop the same types of occupational diseases as industrial workers. Studies show that people who work with hazardous art chemicals can develop dermatitis, lead poisoning, silicosis, liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, reproductive problems, carbon monoxide poisoning, cancer, and other ailments. The risk of chemical hazards is directly linked to the following factors:

• Duration and frequency of exposure.
• Chemical toxicity.
• Quantity of chemical exposed to.

Artists are exposed to graphic media hazards through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion, and must take every precaution whenever working with certain graphic media materials:

• Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prior to using any art media.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment as recommended in the MSDS.
• Whenever possible, substitute nontoxic or less toxic solvents and chemicals for hazardous materials.
• Never eat, drink or smoke when working with art chemicals/materials.

Solvents - Solvents are used to dissolve oils, resins, varnishes, and inks. They are also used to remove paint and lacquer. Due to their common usage, solvents are one of the most underrated exposure hazards. Most organic solvents are poisonous if swallowed or inhaled in sufficient quantities. They also cause dermatitis (or skin inflammation) and narcosis (a numbing, drowsiness or unconsciousness).

Use the least toxic solvent possible. Denatured or isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and odorless mineral spirits are less toxic than solvents such as chloroform or ethylene.

Aerosol Sprays - Aerosol sprays, such as fixatives, paint sprays, and adhesive sprays, are extremely dangerous if someone inhales the fine mists produced by these products. Air brushes and spray guns are equally hazardous. Use aerosol sprays in a well-ventilated area and wear a a respirator with a filter cartridge appropriate for the hazard. Contact the Director of EH&S for assistance.

Corrosives - The acids and alkalis used in ceramics, photo chemicals, paint removers, and similar materials can be very caustic to the skin, eyes, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal system. Likewise the acids and alkalis used to etch metals and glass can be very dangerous. Strong acids, such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, and perchloric acid, require special handling as outlined in the MSDS. Alkalis, such as caustic potash, caustic soda, quicklime, and unslaked lime, also require special treatment. Remember to add acid to water, not water to acid, when mixing chemicals.

Paints and Pigments - Many paints and color pigments contain hazardous heavy metals, such as lead, chromium, cadmium, and barium. As previously mentioned, these heavy metals can cause neurological, respiratory and reproductive damage. The table below outlines common paint pigments and their toxic metal component:

Important Note: Most waste streams (Paper, rags and other pigment and solvent contaminated debris, paint thinners, engraving acids, etc.) generated in the art studio is considered "Hazardous Waste" by the EPA and Connecticut DEP, and as such must be collected and disposed of appropriately. Please refer to the Hazardous Waste Management Plan for guidance on how to conduct a "waste determination" and to properly dispose of this waste.

Photography - Many of the chemicals used for photographic processing are corrosive and can cause severe skin and respiratory problems. The greatest hazards associated with photography include the preparation and use of concentrated chemical solutions. Never touch chemical powders or solutions with unprotected hands. In addition, take care not to stir up and inhale chemical dusts. Always ensure that the darkroom ventilation system is operating properly whenever you are working with photographic chemicals. The following are common photographic agents and their hazards:

• Developer: May cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Stop-bath: May cause burns and throat irritation.
• Fixer: Highly irritating to lungs.
• Intensifier: Very corrosive and may cause lung cancer.
• Reducer: Contact with heat, concentrated acids, or ultraviolet radiation produces poisonous gas.
• Toners: Highly toxic.
• Hardeners and stabilizers: Often contain formaldehyde which is poisonous, a skin irritant, and a known carcinogen.

Plastics, Acrylics, Epoxy Resins - Plastic hazards result from making plastic and working with finished plastic. The greatest hazards associated with making plastic come from the monomers, 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 sawing plastic produces harmful dusts.

Certain types of plastics, such as acrylics and epoxy resins are also hazardous. The components in acrylic, for example, include irritants, explosives, and flammables. The main hazard associated with acrylic compounds, however, is inhalation. Always maintain good ventilation when working with acrylic.

The 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 when working with epoxy resins.

Pottery and Ceramics - 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. When mixing clay dust or breaking up dry grog, use exhaust ventilation and/or wear an appropriate particulate dust respirator.

Pottery glazes also contain free silica, including flint, feldspar, and talc. Wear a particulate dust respirator when mixing or spraying glazes.

Toxic 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.

Woodworking - The hazards associated with woodworking include physical hazards, sawdust inhalation, exposure to toxic solvents and adhesives, and excessive noise from woodworking tools. Long term inhalation of sawdust can cause chronic respiratory diseases. Depending on the type of wood, short-term sawdust inhalation may also produce allergic reactions. 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. For additional information about hand tool and machine safety refer to ______________.