Hazard Warning - Photography

Photographers are exposed to may different toxic chemicals. The health risks associated with using developers, fixing agents, stop baths, intensifiers, reducers, toners and stabilizers have been well documented. Skin lesions that won't heal, lung damage and breathing difficulties, and increased sensitivity to even mild chemicals are some of the ill effects experienced by photographers. 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. If you have or had cancer and/or any type of immune deficiency you should not use any chemicals/hazardous without checking first with your doctor.

What causes these diseases?
Many developers and other photo chemical release sulfur dioxide or formaldehyde gases which can cause eye and lung irritation and asthma. A variety of skin diseases- including depigmentation and hyperpigmentation- are caused by exposing the hands to complex photo chemicals.

Solvents are intended to clean and dissolve. 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 airborne fumes, vapors and dusts can lead to respiratory impairment and diseases.

Accidental oral ingestion and inhalation of toxic materials is common. Tiny particles deposit on eating utensils and cigarettes. Soiled hands can transfer materials to food and cigarettes. Inhaled cigarette smoke carries airborne vapors and poisonous fumes deep into the lungs.

How do I protect myself?
Practice good workplace hygiene: wear an acid-proof apron; protect face, eyes and hands when handling all chemicals. Dry, chapped hands indicate that the skin has been damaged, Use tongs to handle paper in developing trays. Wash hands before eating. Cover developer and fixer when not in use to minimize gas inhalation.

Darkrooms require especially good ventilation. Minimize inhalation of vapors and gases with fresh ventilation. Process and mix in a fume hood or in front of a slot hood exhaust. Supply replacement air without light leakage by using light traps.

Store concentrated chemicals on low shelves to reduce likelihood of breakage. Label all solutions to avoid mistaken identity. Children should be kept away from any photo chemicals.

Do not dispose of spent solutions with household trash picked up by refuse trucks. 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 regulations about proper disposal of photo chemicals.