{"id":5313,"date":"2018-11-17T17:59:27","date_gmt":"2018-11-17T19:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gustavoassisceramicas.com.br\/?p=5313"},"modified":"2023-09-27T11:15:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T14:15:34","slug":"cuidando-da-nossa-saude-no-atelie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gustavodeassis.com\/en\/cuidando-da-nossa-saude-no-atelie\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking After Our Health in the Studio"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hello everyone! In this post, I want to focus on a subject that is very important to us as ceramic artists.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Looking after our health in a ceramic studio is essential. Make no mistake: in ceramics, we work directly with various toxic substances that often affect our bodies slowly and silently.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Ceramic practice requires attention to the risks of exposure to dust and other hazardous substances. We cannot afford to be careless: we need to identify these risks and take measures to reduce and control exposure, without assuming that a few precautions eliminate every hazard.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Before using raw materials or glazes, ask the supplier for the safety data sheet (SDS) and check the information on composition, hazards, handling and protection. The absence of a warning on the packaging does not demonstrate that a product is harmless.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Main Hazards in a Ceramic Studio<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Toxic Exposure<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Many glaze raw materials contain hazardous substances. Exposure routes and effects depend on the composition and task; they may include inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Keep food and drink out of the work area, wash your hands and keep work clothing separate from clothing used at home. Select gloves and other protective equipment according to the SDS and risk assessment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Symptoms of poisoning can vary greatly depending on the substance involved. If you suspect poisoning, contact your doctor urgently for treatment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Respiratory protection must be selected according to the contaminant, concentration and task, with competent guidance. P3 filters are intended for particles and do not, on their own, protect against gases and vapours. Tight-fitting respirators require face-fit testing and a seal check at each use. Surgical masks are not a substitute for this protection. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and storage in a clean place; a respirator does not replace dust control at source.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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Half-mask respirator \u2014 illustrative image. Source: 3M. The model and filters must be selected according to the risk assessment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

Silicosis<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Silicosis is a serious, irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica. Risk depends on exposure, which may occur during tasks involving clays and other raw materials containing this form of silica. Respirable particles may be invisible to the naked eye. Harm may become apparent after years of exposure, while intense exposure can cause disease more rapidly. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica is also associated with lung cancer.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Keeping clay damp helps reduce dust generation, but does not make the material universally harmless. When clay residues dry and become dispersed, they may generate respirable dust; the presence of crystalline silica and other hazards depends on the raw material.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Avoid dry sweeping and using compressed air to clean dust. Prefer wet methods or industrial vacuum equipment suitable for hazardous dust, with classification and filtration selected according to the risk assessment; domestic vacuum cleaners must not be assumed suitable. Prevent wet residues from drying on surfaces. General ventilation does not replace local exhaust ventilation where needed. For sanding and glaze spraying, assess the need for enclosure, extraction at source and suitable respiratory protection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Injuries<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

We work with fire, so we need to protect ourselves from burns. Wear suitable gloves when handling hot objects. Do not touch kilns while they are operating: their surfaces can be very hot.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Wear gloves when removing pieces from the kiln, even when it is cold. Pieces may be brittle and can cut your hands. Ceramics can cut just like knives!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Looking inside a hot kiln requires eye protection selected for the radiation and task conditions. Follow guidance from the kiln manufacturer and a competent professional on filter type and protective shade. Do not assume that a fixed temperature threshold or just any welding goggles provide suitable protection. Sunglasses are not a substitute for task-specific protection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Materials and Their Toxicity:
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Below is a general list I have put together of materials commonly used by ceramic artists and their relationship to health:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n