Hazard Warning - Printmaking

Known cancer causing agents, allergens and toxins are used daily in printmaking. French chalks, solvents, caustic sodas, corrosive acids, ultraviolet radiation from carbon arcs, can all be hazardous. Rosin and asphaltum dusts can be explosive. Studies have shown a significantly elevated risk of exposure related disease among commercial pressmen along with a high percentage of contact dermatitis. 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?
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.

Inhalation of some vapors and fine dusts can lead to disease. To smell something is to inhale it. However, not all materials have a detectable odor and some solvents deaden your sense of smell. Chemicals in the air can get into your lungs and then into your bloodstream.

Accidental oral ingestion and inhalation of toxic material 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.

Splashing of acids causes skin burns and eye injuries.

How do I protect myself?
Minimize inhalation of airborne substances with adequate ventilation. Position your fan to carry contaminants safely away from your breathing zone. Use local ventilation exhausted to the outside and provide uncontaminated air to replace expelled air.

Wear protective clothing. Wear gloves designed to protect against the specific chemicals you use; dry, chapped hands mean skin has been damaged. Guard against splashes, use eye/face protection when mixing. Respiratory protective equipment guards against toxic materials, but improperly fitted respirators may be worse than no equipment at all.

Substitute water soluble paints and inks whenever possible. Use mineral spirits for most ink and asphaltum cleanup. Use small amounts of more toxic solvents only if needed. Use ready-made inks whenever possible to avoid the hazard of inhaling pigment powders.

Do not mix chemicals unless you are absolutely sure they will not react dangerously. Store chemicals that can interact away from each other and on low shelves to reduce the likelihood of breakage. Label all solutions to avoid mistaken identity. Children should not have access to any chemicals.

Keep oily rags and other cleanup materials in closed metal containers to prevent spontaneous combustion. Vacuum and wet mop often since tiny particles become airborne and can be inhaled with dry sweeping.

Dispose of hazardous substances safely. Buy only what you need to reduce the volume of disposal. Collaborate with others to share the cost of disposal of large quantities. Check local and state regulations for disposal in your area.