Dangers Of Working With Ceramics

Shared clay in a group setting could potentially be a medium for bacteria transfer.

Dangers of working with ceramics. Dust particles may become trapped between the lens and the surface of the eye. Deal with dust as appropriate in each area. Clay storage and processing glazing testing throwing trimming slab rolling clay fabrication library etc. And there is so much information and misinformation out there about how to keep your studio safe that it is hard to know what to believe.

Hypersensitivity pneumonia asthma or other respiratory problems may occur with exposure to molds growing in wet clay that is being soured or aged in a damp place. Glazing and coloring 4. Create work areas dedicated to specific tasks. The specific hazards and precautions can be divided into the following areas.

Scrub hands thoroughly after working. Bags of clay and glaze materials can be very heavy and lifting can cause back problems. Potential leaching of finished ware clay. There is a danger of accidents if clay or water can be added while the mixer is in operation.

Wet clay is a good medium for mold growth and bacterial incubation. Do not wear contact lenses when working in dusty environments. Folks tell you every drop counts when saving money. The smock or apron should be left in the work area.

Disclaimer this page is in progress and posted by marvin bartel there may be other hazards not included here so just because something is not listed here does not mean that it is safe to eat drink touch or inhale if you know of a ceramic hazard not mentioned here please contact me. Working with clay 2. Of course it is essential that we automatically view any new product on the market regarding cookware with some suspicion and therefore question firstly the safety of its use. Firing in a kiln 5.

Do not eat drink or smoke in your work space. People with specific types of mold allergies may be affected. Ceramic art and pottery has a wide variety of hazards. Many materials have not undergone tests for every possible hazard and illnesses are not always.

Most of us ceramic artists know there are some dangers inherent in the art form we have chosen from inhaling raw materials in the powdered form to injuries resulting from repetitive movements. Wear a smock or apron when working with ceramic materials especially glaze materials in order to prevent the spread of irritants or toxic materials. Do not interchange tools and eating utensils. What they mean is it all adds up over time.

The orientation should be such that the direction of dust travel is away from working areas. When it comes to cookware it s now known that some are dangerous especially ones you think safest like earthenware and use daily.