John Baymore on sun 28 jul 96
-------------------------------------------------------------
........ Those allergies you are experiencing would probably come from dust
in the workshop, the elements that clay is composed of,like Alumina, Silica,
Potash, Calcium etc. are among the most common materials of the earth,
I don't think it's possible to be allergic to the same elements your
body is composed of.........
----------------------------------------------------------------
The allergy is probably not to anything from the clay, but from the airborne
spores from the moulds that grow in and on the clay. This is a very common
problem. The older the clay, the more molds. Leatherhard wares drying in the
summer in humid climates can continue to grow molds.
So the "organics" that are helping to make the clay more plastic (via their
waste products affect on the water chemistry) are making her sick. Mixing the
clay with water that is heavily chlorinated might help, and not letting it sit
around too long to age before using will also. But that will affect plasticity
greatly too.
...................................john
(Someone who is allergic to everything green! )
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
Wilton, NH
76506.3102@Compuserve.com
| |
|
