Question:
What Precautions when using dry ingredients?
Cadmium
Cadmium
Used as a pigment in glazes. Can cause respiratory
diseases, osteoporosis, cancer and other problems.
For more information, see Article on Cadmium!
Silica
Silica
is ever present in clay materials. Repeated inhalation will cause potentially fatal silicosis, or 'potters' asthma', a form emphysema. The molecule (especially when fired) has a 'hook' which attaches itself to the lung wall and accumulates and irritates.
The Cheap Method
The following is a minimally dusty method to recycle clay trimmings and other clay scrap. (This does not mean that you can skimp on safety devices, put that mask back on!) While your clay scrap is still moist, roll it into thumb thickness coils and place it on a tray to dry. Remove the tray from your studio area (like a garage), or place it in an area that has very little air movement. The key is not to create an exposure to the finest clay dusts - they are the ones most readily moved into room air and these dusts are the most hazardous to your lungs. Read On: Clay Recycling D.I.Y. = The Cheap Method
Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic
may cause asthma and eye inflammations.
Kaolin also see silica
Kaolin
similar to silica.
Asbestos
Asbestos: causes particularly nasty fibrosis if inhaled.
Iron Chromate
Iron Chromate
May lead to acute pneumonia and cause lung cancer.
Using dry ingredients
Make sure you wear a good dust mask when working with dry ingredients. Clay dust from greenware or from glaze components can get into the lungs and over the years cause emphysema. Whenever possible, wet mop your working area; never sweep with a broom, as this throws dust up into the air, which you might breath in.
Handling dry ingredients
Dealing with raw materials
Once measured out, powdered materials should be made into slop form immediately.
Iron Oxide Dust
Iron Oxide Dust
is poisonous for children and can cause "iron
pigmentation" of the lungs, supposedly benign but
contentious.
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.
Uranium Compounds
Uranium Compounds
cause kidney damage, not to mention the radioactivity.
Cobalt
Cobalt Oxide,Carbonate
can cause liver damage and dermatitis. Will enter the
body through the skin.
Selenium
Selenium
affects the liver.
Lead
Lead is an accumulative poison. It can be stored in the bone structure for years before a fatal dose is accumulated. Beware of raw lead forms, such as white or yellow lead, which are extremely toxic. Use lead frits instead. Do not use for tableware.
For more information on the effects of lead, Please see Article: "Lead"
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.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide
If the oxygen level falls, hearing will decrease, pulse and blood pressure rise. Carbon dioxide forms during combustion firing processes.
Alumina dust
Alumina dust is a nuisance to lungs, wear a mask.
Chromates
Chromates and Chromic Acid
may be cancerous. Will also enter the body through
the skin.
For more information on chrome and its effects, please see Articles: Chromium for Potters!
Borax
Borax
chronic exposure can cause asthma, diarrhea and skin
conditions.
Ceramics Frequently Asked Questions
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What Precautions when using dry ingredients?
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What should I keep in mind when designing my studio?
What tools do I need to start potting?
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How do I best publicise my business?
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How and when sholuld I apply underglazes?
Are they Water or oil base stains?
Are any two kilns are exactly alike?
Can I use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
Does greenware need to be dry before loading?
What is the history of the Potter´s Wheel?
What is The History of the Way of Tea
What is Celadon (Cheong-Ja) - the Stuff of Kings?
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Is there a trick toThrowing Porcelain?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What are some good tools for decoration?
How do I apply texture to my piece?
Do I need kiln wash for bisque?
How do I refire a glazed piece ?
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How do I care for my elements?
Does over firing produce poor colour in coloured glaze?s
What are some Black Firing Tips and Tricks?
What is the safest way to pack my ceramics?
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automatic kiln sitter, should I trust it?
What are some tips for draining a mold?
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What tools do I need for ceramics
What are suggested plate clay weights?
What do I need to get started?
What tools do I need to make a coil pot
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What materials are toxic in Ceramics?
Can Crackle glazes be used for food?
How do I avoid S cracks in wheel thrown ware
How do I get the press onside?
What are the Approx. firing times?
Ho do I avoid pitting and pinholes?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I Bisque fire in an electric kiln?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I apply crackle glazes ?
What effects can I achieve with a brush?
How do I Drain small pour holes?
How do I care for my new Kiln?
can I draw directly onto a piece?
How do I fire different bodies?
What is the humming in my new kiln?
What should I remember when firing a new kiln?
how do I get the best results in glazing?
How do I prevent dirt on my greenware?
How do I accomodate Clay Storage in my studio?
How do I prevent sagging during firing?
How do I load my brush for applying underglaze?
Why should I use pottery plaster?
How do I prevent glazes from settling ?
How do I create a woodtone effect?
What are some Doing well Quotes?
How do I care for my elements?
How do I store my throwing tools?
What is the history of Ceramics?
Why do I get black spots in my glaze?
How do I load my kiln for a glaze firing?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
