Studio-Specific Hazards

Soldering with lead-based alloys

Lead fumes (toxic to nervous systems)

• Use lead-free solder.
• Ensure local exhaust ventilation.

Flux (e.g. borax, fluorides)

Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation

• Use non-fluoride fluxes.
• Wear goggles.
• Work in ventilated areas.

Acids (e.g. nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric) for etching and picking

Severe burns or toxic vapors

• Use citric pickle acid or less hazardous etchants.
• Always use fume hood.

Patinas (e.g. liver of sulfur, ammonia, chemical dyes)

Sulfur dioxide, ammonia vapors, skin irritation

• Apply in ventilated area.
• Use gloves and eye protection.

Metal dusts (e.g. silver, copper, brass, nickel) from sanding, grinding, or polishing

Respiratory irritation, lung disease, skin sensitization

• Wet sand to reduce dust.
• Use dust collection and respirators. *

Clay dust (e.g. silica)

Lung disease, respiratory irritation

• Use wet cleanup.
• Wear N95 respirator. *
• Use ventilation.

Glazes with lead, cadmium, or manganese

Toxic if inhaled or ingested

• Choose lead-free/cadmium-free glazes.
• Wear gloves and respirator. *

Kilns

Burns, fire risk, electrical hazards

• Keep combustibles away.
• Use heat-resistant gloves.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines

Spraying glazes

Inhalation of fine particulates

• Use spray booth.
• Wear respirator. *
• Spray in ventilated areas.

Plaster

Skin irritation, heat when curing

• Wear gloves.
• Avoid breathing dust.
• Never pour excess plaster down drains.

Oil paints with lead, cobalt, or chromium

Toxic by skin contact or ingestion

• Use paints labeled "AP Non-Toxic."
• Wear gloves when handling.

Solvents (e.g. turpentine, mineral spirits)

Flammable, respiratory irritation

• Use odor-less mineral spirits or water-based media.
• Ventilate workspace.

Spray paints/Fixatives

Inhalation of aerosolized chemicals

• Spray outdoors or in spray booth.
• Wear respirator. *

Charcoal/Pastel dust

Respiratory irritation

• Use fixative.
• Work in ventilated areas.
• Wear dust mask.

Pigment/Powders

Toxic if inhaled

• Avoid dry pigment handling.
• Use pre-mixed paints.

Developers (e.g. hydroquinone)

Skin and eye irritation

• Wear gloves and goggles.
• Avoid skin contact.

Fixers (e.g. ammonium thiosulfate)

Respiratory irritation

• Use in ventilated space.
• Store in closed containers.

Stop baths (e.g. acetic acid)

Eye and skin irritation, strong odors

• Use citric acid versions.
• Wear gloves.

Toners (e.g. selenium, thiourea)

Toxic if inhaled of ingested

• Avoid inhaling vapors.
• Use in fume hood.

UV/Intense Light Exposure

Eye Injury

• Wear UV-protective eyewear.
• Avoid looking directly into light source.