Chris Schafale on wed 11 mar 98
Thanks to those who responded to previous query. Having gone back
through the archives and looked at some MSDS's, here's a more
specific question.
A great many of the Mason stains contain chrome
oxide, which, I gather, is a relatively Bad Thing, because not only
is it a possible inhalation/absorption hazard, but it will also
volatilize in the kiln and emit toxic fumes (as well as possibly
coloring neighboring pots, it seems). This means that these stains
are probably not feasible to use in the parks & rec facility
where I fire my work, even if I am super-careful in the way I handle
it in my home studio. Do I have this right?
Are there other materials that fall into this class -- i.e., which
may have significant toxic (or otherwise problematic) effects *during
firing*, so that no matter what care I take in mixing/handling the
clay, I might be endangering others when the piece is being fired?
(I've already ruled out lead, cadmium, barium, antimony, vanadium).
Does manganese fall into this category? How about praesodymium?
Zirconium?
Thanks for any help. As a newcomer to Clayart and a relative novice
in clay-work, I'd like to say thanks to all who take the time to
answer questions, even when they've been asked many times before.
This is a wonderful resource.
Chris Schafale
Light One Candle Pottery
candle@nuteknet.com
Ron Roy on thu 12 mar 98
Hi Chris,
I admire your attitude by the way and congratulate you on your research.
I think you do have it right - as long as you are doing the ventilation of
all your kiln fumes as well.
Manganese is a hazard if the dust is inhaled - it does build up in your system.
Praseodymium is not thought to be much of a hazard but there has not been
much investigation. Zirconium is not a hazard and is usually combined with
silica in materials like zircopax, superpax, etc.
My reference is The Artists Complete Health and Safety Guide by Monona Rossol.
>A great many of the Mason stains contain chrome
>oxide, which, I gather, is a relatively Bad Thing, because not only
>is it a possible inhalation/absorption hazard, but it will also
>volatilize in the kiln and emit toxic fumes (as well as possibly
>coloring neighboring pots, it seems). This means that these stains
>are probably not feasible to use in the parks & rec facility
>where I fire my work, even if I am super-careful in the way I handle
>it in my home studio. Do I have this right?
>
>Are there other materials that fall into this class -- i.e., which
>may have significant toxic (or otherwise problematic) effects *during
>firing*, so that no matter what care I take in mixing/handling the
>clay, I might be endangering others when the piece is being fired?
>(I've already ruled out lead, cadmium, barium, antimony, vanadium).
>Does manganese fall into this category? How about praesodymium?
>Zirconium?
>
>Thanks for any help. As a newcomer to Clayart and a relative novice
>in clay-work, I'd like to say thanks to all who take the time to
>answer questions, even when they've been asked many times before.
>This is a wonderful resource.
>
>Chris Schafale
>Light One Candle Pottery
>candle@nuteknet.com
Ron Roy
93 Pegasus trail
Scarborough Otario
Canada M1G 3N8
Phone: 416-439-2621
Fax: 416-438-7849
Web page: Home page http://digitalfire.com/education/people/ronroy.htm
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