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chromium problems??? (ga

updated thu 8 jan 98

 

Monona Rossol on tue 6 jan 98


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 10:38:31 EST
From: Dave Allen
Subject: Chromium problems??? (gasp)
----------------------------Original message----------------------------

> Is there a detailed description of what these problems with Chromium
> are? My last firing I felt quite ill and did not have a great vetalation
> set up in the kiln room. Now that I read this I am a bit concerned. <

Chrome fume from firing is chemically Cr03 which means the chrome is in the
hexavalent cancer-causing form. However, feeling ill during firing is vastly
more likely to be caused by other kiln emissions such as carbon monoxide,
aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, etc. I would, indeed, be very
concerned if you feel sick from kiln fumes. You are inhaling quite a lot of
nasty stuff. You could be paying years later. Instead, pay a little now for
a ventilation system. You are worth it.


> Also, we are using the bowls for food. How bad is the leeching problem?
> The Chromium was dispirsed in a clear glaze that was purchased in a dry
> form, so I have no idea what is in it. (by the way, it looks great on a
> white B-Mix cone 5 clay. <

Working with the powdered glaze is also a good way to get exposure to glaze
chemicals. As for leaching, it is best to send some sample ware to a lab for
tests if you intend to use the stuff regularly.


Monona Rossol, industrial hygienist
Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety
181 Thompson St., # 23
New York, NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062

http://www.caseweb.com/acts/

KLeSueur on wed 7 jan 98


In a message dated 1/6/98 5:27:54 PM, you wrote:

<chemicals. As for leaching, it is best to send some sample ware to a lab for
tests if you intend to use the stuff regularly.


Monona Rossol, industrial hygienist
Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety
181 Thompson St., # 23
New York, NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
>>

It would be helpful if you could list the name of a lab that potters could
send pieces to for testing. There seems to be lots of concern here.

Kathi LeSueur