kickwheel@AOL.COM on tue 14 aug 07
I would like to commend all the potters and teachers around the world that r=
ead and contribute to ClayArt. The level of information and help offered is=20=
remarkable.
I find great interest in your discussion of tremolite (asbestos-like fibers)=
in lowfire white clays and other white bodies. Several years ago I had a di=
scussion with our independent toxicologists about the hazards to children an=
d potters from talc bearing clay bodies. They suggested we switch talcs from=
New York talc (Nytal) to Texas talc. The reason being NY talc contains char=
acteristic needle asbestos-like fibers. They stated that even though it=C2=
=A0may not be technically true asbestos, he doubted the body would know the=20=
difference. The talc we use is a platy-shaped talc that has rounded edges th=
at will sluff off lung tissue without grabbing on like little arrows scaring=
precious lung cells. Teachers are highly stressed and sometimes find it dif=
ficult to maintain spotless studios. Knowing the sometimes chaotic and clutt=
ered situation in some studios and classrooms, we made the serious commitmen=
t to spend twice as much money to bring in talc from Texas for our white bod=
ies, even though we could have legally continued to use NY talc and still be=
ar the non-toxic label.=20
I am sure other clay manufacturing companies have made the same choice and w=
ould not mind telling you which talc they use in their white bodies. Unfortu=
nately I see and read a lot of distrust from potters towards clay companies=20=
and suppliers. I am sure many people have had a bad experience here and ther=
e. I have looked at the ClayArt member listing and conclude that most clay c=
ompanies/suppliers (like myself) just lurk in the background and hesitate jo=
ining in discussions. Clay health and safe use is part of my job and I am su=
re other companies share my concerns enough to go the extra mile and spend t=
he extra buck in order to make a safe product. Open communication with your=20=
supplier should be on your most valuable asset list. I am always available t=
o discuss any customers=E2=80=99 health and product use concerns regarding a=
ny of the products we manufacture.=20
Christine Winokur
KPS Clay Company
800-241-1895
www.kickwheel.com
________________________________________________________________________
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from=
AOL at AOL.com.
Edouard Bastarache Inc. on tue 14 aug 07
Hello all,
the different asbestos fibers and their respective
CAS numbers :
Asbestos fibers :
Actinolite [12172-67-7]
Amosite [12172-73-5]
Anthophyllite [17068-78-9]
Chrysotile [12001-29-5]
Crocidolite [12001-28-4]
Tremolite [14567-73-8]
The most noxious being amosite and crocidolite.
Gis la revido,
Edouard Bastarache
Spertesperantisto
Sorel-Tracy
Quebec
http://perso.orange.fr/smart2000/livres.htm
http://www.pshcanada.com/Toxicology.htm
http://www.ceramique.com/librairie/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30058682@N00/
http://myblogsmesblogs.blogspot.com/
.
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