$Unique_ID{BRK00939}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{Dangers of Ceramics Craft}
$Subject{ceramics hazards}
$Volume{O-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Dangers of Ceramics Craft


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QUESTION:  They are about to offer a ceramics course at in our community
center, that my wife very much wishes to take.  I know I have read about the
dangers of getting near some of the materials they intend to use, and don't
wish to expose my wife to them.  Please tell her not to go.

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ANSWER:  That would be most undiplomatic on my part, but I will happily detail
some of the dangers, as well as precautions to take, and allow you and your
wife to continue the discussion with the following material in hand.  There
are three major elements that pose a hazard to good health in ceramics.  They
are the clay components themselves, the glazes or materials used to color and
decorate the pottery, and finally the gases that may be emitted when baking
the work in a kiln.  Some of the materials found in certain clays include
alumina, asbestos (as a contaminant of talc used in preparing porcelain),
diatomaceous earth (raw material for clay), feldspar, iron oxide and kaolin
(raw material for china clay).  The danger lies not in touching these
materials, but from breathing small air borne particles, which may provoke a
variety of lung disease.  Glazes contain a number of toxic chemicals including
lead, copper, cobalt, arsenic trioxide, antimony oxide, berylium, boric acid
among others.  Central nervous system depression, heavy metal poisoning and
skin rashes are some of the possible results of prolonged and excessive
exposure.  Though no published reports exist about exposure to kiln produced
gases, they do contain carbon monoxide, chlorine gas, hydrochloric acid vapor,
sulfur dioxide and others, and in cases where there is a kiln malfunction,
could be dangerous.  However, a few simple precautions, and many of these
dangers are rapidly removed.  The studio should be kept free of dust, and be
well ventilated.  Keep glazes and clays in slurry form when possible, rather
than as dry powders.  Glazes are best applied by dipping or brushing, rather
than spraying.  Protective clothing, gloves, aprons and overalls should always
be worn, and careful personal hygiene with frequent hand washing is a must.
No eating should be allowed in the studio, nor food storage.  Just a bit of
attention to these rules will certainly permit a danger free experience in the
pleasures of ceramics.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
