How to Protect Yourself From Toxins When Making Artwork

Most people are unaware of the inherent dangers of solvents and media used when making artwork. It is believed that Van Gogh's personality disorders were the result of his licking his paint brushes and ingesting the paint, causing lead poisoning.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The ability to be cautious when working with oil paint.

1. When using solvents, know danger occurs with skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Solvents can be absorbed by the skin, enter the bloodstream, and then damage bodily organs. Inhaling turpentine and mineral spirits, though low on the toxicity list, can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. They can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Use cross-ventilation, such as an open door and open window, or two open windows.

2. Aerosol sprays, such as those used as a fixative for charcoal and pastel artwork, can leave a long-lasting mist in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs if protective masks (or preferably, a respirator) are not used. If possible, use sprays outside and don't use more than absolutely necessary. A painting booth can also be used.

3. Solvents are flammable, so do not use near open flame or smoke while working with them. The same is true for varnishesl

4. Do not eat, smoke, or drink when working with solvents and fixatives, as doing so can cause the toxins to be carried directly into your body.

5. If working with printmaking inks and solvents, use particular care and do not use indoors without a good exhaust system. The fumes from the ink and solvents can cause brain tumors and serious respiratory illness.

Tips & Warnings

• Use common sense when working with painting mediums and solvents.
• Either install an exhaust fan system in the studio or wear protective respirator masks.
• Do not smoke, drink, or eat while using solvents, mediums, and sprays.
• Do not use painting materials, solvents, mediums or sprays around an open flame.

[Kilogramm]

on 9/22/2008 Great background fact on Van Gogh, I never knew that about him. Will be paying a little bit more attention to safety percautions during art projects from now on, thanks!