Zoey K von Borstel on tue 20 may 97
I have been reading the lead discussion with great interest, and I am
beginning to be concerned. I am enrolled in a community college ceramics
class. The first week of class lead in glazes was addressed a number of
students were concerned. My instructor explained that there were some
leaded frits in the glazes used in the class but that properly used they
were safe. Initially I trusted that what he said was true in spite of
the fact that I have taken a number of ceramics classes other places and
the rule regarding lead has always been quite simply- don't use it. I am
beginning to question the safety of the glazes in my class.
A little history- apparently until a few years ago the firings were to
^10. The school wanted to save money and asked that the firing temp be
reduced to do so. The firings are now to officially to ^7 (I say
officially because the firings are anything but regular- I would guess
that they range from ^5-^9 at least). Some of the glazes were adjusted
to fire at ^7- others were found to look nice at ^7 with no change.
My instructor is burned out, inaccessible and prone to giving answers to
questions other than the one asked. So I ask you- Should I stop using
the lovely dishes that I made in this class? Should I warn other
students? Should I complain?
Zoey
ps I think I can get the glaze recipes- I suppose that would help.
Erin Hayes on wed 21 may 97
Zoey, I suspect that fritted lead for glazes is probably okay for a
college level classroom, but since I've never had time to research it, I
simply stay away from them. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as
they say.
Perhaps Monona or some of the other chemically knowledgeable subscribers
can help you with the actual legislated guidelines. As far as I know,
raw lead is illegal in a classroom situation. I will watch for the
replies as well...
Erin.
Ron Roy on wed 21 may 97
Zoey wrote - The firings are now to officially to ^7 (I say
>officially because the firings are anything but regular- I would guess
>that they range from ^5-^9 at least). Some of the glazes were adjusted
>to fire at ^7- others were found to look nice at ^7 with no change.
>My instructor is burned out, inaccessible and prone to giving answers to
>questions other than the one asked. So I ask you- Should I stop using
>the lovely dishes that I made in this class? Should I warn other
>students? Should I complain?
I have the perfect word for that situation - insanity!
I think you are right Zoey - get out - I would not eat off those dishes or
worse still store food in them.
If you want to post me those recipies I will be glad to offer my opinion of
them.
Ron Roy
Toronto, Canada
Evenings, call 416 439 2621
Fax, 416 438 7849
ronroy@astral.magic.ca
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