Effects of Art Materials on the Body Effects of Art Materials on the Environment The Rules and Regulations of Art Materials Tips that Help Reduce the Risks Education is the key to building a community of artists that have enough knowledge and understanding about the materials which they work with in order to maintain healthy bodies and environments in which to live. 4 Things Artists’ Should Understand & Know:

Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Body Art Materials can damage the respiratory system, the heart and circulatory systems, the liver, the kidneys, the nervous system, both male and female reproductive systems, and can cause genetic damage. * Michael McCann PHD., CIH.(1994)Health Hazards Manual for Artists. Lyons & Burford, Publishers, New York, New York. Individual susceptibility varies depending on several factors. High risk groups include children(due to smaller body size), smokers, heavy-drinkers, asthmatics, people with chronic heart, liver, lung or other problems, pregnant women, and the elderly.*

Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Body * Michael McCann PHD., CIH.(1994)Health Hazards Manual for Artists. Lyons & Burford, Publishers, New York, New York. Tests are available to check for the presence of and the levels of certain chemicals which may be in your body. If your concerned that toxins may be building up in your body schedule an appointment with your physician and find out what your total body burden is. Toxins in art materials add to the total body burden of the individual exposed. The total body burden of a chemical is the total amount of that chemical in the body from all possible sources.* So keep in mind that many toxins may already be in your body from pollutants in the environment and exposing yourself to toxins in the studio adds to your total body burden.

Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Body An Illness caused by exposure to hazardous materials is identified as a: Chronic Illness or Acute Illness

Can occur from a buildup of a chemical in the body. Can occur from repeated damage to the body from exposure to a chemical over a length of time. Occurs as a result of a single exposure and happens in a short period of time. The result from one high level exposure. Examples: burns from concentrated acids, chemical pneumonia from overexposure to cadmium fumes from silver soldering, and accidentally ingesting a hazardous chemical. Often result from many low level exposures. Examples: nerve damage from exposures to certain solvents, cancer, chronic bronchitis, and lead poisoning. Chronic IllnessAcute Illness

Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Environment However more artist’s are beginning to realize... If they are not part of the solution, then they are a part of the problem. Many artist feel the amount of hazardous chemicals they use are so small that they have no effect on themselves or the environment.

Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Environment LEAD and it’s function in Art, as well as, how lead IMPACTS CHILDREN. The following information will briefly illustrate:

The U.S. Public Health Service estimates one out of six children under age 6 has enough lead in his blood to place him in what scientists now consider high risk. Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Environment Effects of Lead Poisoning: Reading and Learning Disabilities Speech and Language Handicaps Lowered I.Q. Neurological Deficits Aggressive Behavior Kidney Disease Heart Disease Stroke Death THE EFFECTS OF LEAD POISONING ARE PERMANENT.

ceramic glazes and frits, the production of stained glass, and in certain toners such as lead acetate, lead nitrate, lead oxalate which are used in photo developing. ARTIST USE LEAD IN: When we live in a country where one in six children under age 6 is at high risk for lead poisoning every possible source of lead coming into our environment needs to be reevaluated. This problem did not arise solely from the use of lead in art materials. However If one chooses to no longer use lead in their artwork, they then reduce the amount of lead in our environment and become part of the solution. Understanding Effects of Art Materials on the Environment

Understanding the Rules and Regulations of Art Materials The Hazard Communication Standard of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requires manufacturers and importers prepare Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) on hazardous products to provide more detailed information on the hazards and precautions.* OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard also requires employers must have MSDS sheets for every hazardous chemical purchased and full access must be made to employees. * Michael McCann PHD.,CIH.Health Hazards Manual for Artists. Lyons & Burford, Publishers, New York, New York.

Understanding the Rules and Regulations of Art Materials * Preparing, Understanding, and Using Material Safety Data Sheets Lab Safety Supply Co Inc. Information presented in MSDS sheets covers: The identity of the chemical used on the label; except for trade secrets, the specific chemical name and common names for the hazardous ingredients; physical and chemical characteristics; physical hazards; health hazards; primary route(s) of entry; recommended exposure limit; whether the chemical is listed as a carcinogen; applicable control measures; emergency and first aid procedures; date of preparation or latest revision; name, address, and telephone number of manufacturer or other responsible party.*

Understanding the Rules and Regulations of Art Materials The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act, or LHAMA, requires that all art materials be reviewed to determine their potential for causing a chronic illness and be labeled accordingly.* Products in compliance with LHAMA indicate on the label that they conform to ASTM D-4236.* * Law Requires Review and Labeling of Art Materials Including Children’s Art and Drawing Products. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington D.C., Labeling Requirements: Remember to Check the Label

Understanding the Rules and Regulations of Art Materials The Federal Hazardous Substances Act prohibits the distribution of any art material labeled as hazardous to young children. This means no daycare facilities, preschools, or elementary schools are allowed to be using any hazardous art materials in their classrooms.* * Law Requires Review and Labeling of Art Materials Including Children’s Art and Drawing Products. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington D.C., Young Children, Students,and Teachers: Teachers are responsible for student safety and should have all MSDS sheets available for students use. Teachers also should make sure proper safety equipment is available, inform students of risks and conditions which would put them in the high risk groups, instruct students on the proper handling of the material, emergency response to accidents and spills, and the proper disposal of hazardous chemicals used in the classroom.

Tips that Help Reduce the Risks TAKE INVENTORY Make a list of all the chemicals being used. Obtain an MSDS sheet for each chemical. Decide which chemicals your willing to work with and which ones are to dangerous to deal with. SET-UP SAFTEY PRECAUTIONS The safest way to deal with hazardous materials is to not deal with them at all. So substitute hazardous materials with less hazardous materials when ever possible. Make certain the proper safety equipment is available and is used. This includes gloves, goggles, fume hoods, respirators, ventilation systems, etc.. Know the proper disposal methods for each chemical. Know your rights and the responsibilities of using hazardous materials.

Tips that Help Reduce the Risks PREVENTION Make sure MSDS sheets are always available in case of an emergency they contain vital information needed. For example info. on how to clean up spills, or what to do if accidentally ingested. Wear protective clothing, remove it before returning home, and wash it separately. This prevents chemicals on clothing from entering the home, and exposing other family members. Put up posters which display proper handling, precautions, and emergency procedures in areas where chemicals are being used. Do NOT eat in the studio. It makes easier for chemicals to enter your body. Follow the OSHA’s laws and regulations it will keep you safer, and out of trouble.