Potters and ceramicists work with a variety of potentially toxic materials. Lung diseases can develop from asbestos and silica contaminated clays and talcs. Kiln emissions contain gases that can damage your respiratory system. Certain glazes and colorants can cause toxic metal poisoning if ingested. All these sections on Occupational Health issues are meant to solely increase your awareness of certain potential hazards and are not intended as a complete guide. Medical concerns should be immediately communicated to your physician or a responsible health care provider.
What causes these diseases?
Many clay and glaze dusts are toxic. Some contain finely powdered
minerals which, once inhaled, can remain forever in the lungs. Dusts such
as silica, asbestos and talc can cause disabling lung-scarring diseases.
Most glazes also contain toxic metal compounds. These can damage the body in many ways. For example, lead can damage the brain, kidneys, blood and other organs. Manganese can cause a disease similar to Parkinson's disease. Cadmium can damage the kidney's and other organs. Other toxic metals include barium, antimony. lithium, chrome, nickel and vanadium.
Accidental oral ingestion and inhalation of toxic materials is common. Soiled hands can transfer tiny dust particle to food and cigarettes. Inhaled cigarette smoke carries airborne solvent and clay particles directly into the lungs.
Solvents maybe present in products such as lustre glazes and antiquing stain. All solvents damage the skin to some degree. Some solvents are absorbed by human skin and enter the bloodstream. The result may be dermatitis, allergic sensitization, liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, reproductive system and fetal damage and certain types of cancer.
To smell something is to inhale it. However, not all chemicals have a detectable odor and some deaden your sense of smell. Unknowing inhalation of gases, fumes and fine invisible dusts can cause disease.
How do I protect myself?
Dry, chapped hands mean skin has been damages. Practce good
workplace hygiene: wear protective clothing and leave dusty clothes in the
studio, wash hands and clean under the nails.
Avoid procedures that create dust. Work with premixed clay whenever possible. Clean up wet glaze spills before they dry. Wet mop or vacuum instead of sweeping. Soak lumps of dry clay, don't pulverize them.
Reduce hazards during mixing clay, sanding and glazing by using local exhaust ventilation such as a spray booth. Vent to the outside and provide fresh air to your breathing zone.
Protect face and eyes. If necessary, use appropriate dust mask for short periods (masks can be hot and uncomfortable but use then when necessary). Protect eyes during chipping and grinding. DO not look into kiln without protective IR goggles.
Use the least toxic glaze ingredients possible. Avoid breathing glaze dusts. Use brushing or dipping methods when possible rather than spraying or airbrushing. Avoid skin contact with glazes.
Read labels carefully and dispose of toxins safely. Buy only what you need to reduce the volume for disposal. Collaborate with others to share the cost of disposal of large quantities. Check local and state laws for disposal in your area.
