Question:
What safety aspect should I keep in mind when working with glazes?
Barium alternatives
In glaze recipes calling for Barium Carbonate, substitute 1.18 parts of non-toxic Barium Sulphte for 1 part of the toxic Barium Carbonate. Many glazes will be unaffectd by the substitution. Others may be better or worse - test!
Safety Measures:
Safety Measures:
· wear a good dust mask when handling dry materials
· wear gloves when touching any raw materilas, dry or wet
· avoid using particularly toxic raw materials, such as white lead. Use frits instead.
· wash hands carefully after contact with materials
· wear protective clothing and wash frequently
· wear a gas mask when reducing or salt or soda firing
· wash workbenches and wet mop studio floors
· if spraying glazes, wear a mask and use a spray booth
· never eat or drink near studio or working area
Nickel Oxide
Nickel Oxide
can cause cancer. Will cause skin irritation ('nickel
itch'). Will penetrate skin.
Lithium
Lithium
very toxic. Not recommended for tableware.
Magnesium Oxide
Magnesium Oxide
is considered inoxious, but general rules for dusts still apply.
Chromium and nickel
Chromium and nickel:
They are not as predictable throughout all temperature ranges, and should be handled carefully as they are toxic.
If you make your own glazes, you already have seen many oxides used in glaze recipes.
It is probably best to stick with recipes.
Platinum
Platinum may cause asthma.
Ceramic materials
Ceramic Materials.
When working with ceramic material, avoid creating dust: Some materials are toxic and can quickly have very serious effects upon health, while less hazardous material can still accumulate over a period of time and cause equally serious health problems. Materials in powder form can be inhaled, and materials can also be absorbed through ingestion from contaminated food, cigarettes and drink. Always wash your hands thoroughly on leaving the workshop, and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in the workshop.
A Disclaimer
Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of anybody using these glaze recipes to be informed of glaze dangers and to ensure the proper safety precautions are met when mixing and using glazes. In general glaze components marked 'toxic!' should not be used for tableware. Other, not marked ingredients may be harmful to health on skin contact or if ingested. Frits may contain Lead Bisilicate. General safety precautions for ceramic materials apply. Contact a supplier, lecturer or professional if in doubt. Neither Lifetips nor its Ceramic Guru, Jan will bear any responsibility for incorrectly used glazes and/or ingredients, nor for any damages due to unexpected glaze results. All glazes should be tested before use.
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| Guru Spotlight |
| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
