ACTSNYC@CS.COM on fri 2 jun 00
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2000 23:46:18 -0400
> From: Gail Dapogny
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Melting Wax
>
> I don't pretend to be a safety expert on hot wax, but I have heard from
> intelligent sources that paraffin fumes coat and seal the surface of the
> lungs; this as I understand it can be a long-range and serious problem.
> I'd like to know more; also am curious about the Bob Briscoe approach.
> --Gail <
There is no "coating" going on. But paraffin does form a "fume," which are
tiny particles of recondensed paraffin. These particles are small enough to
be inhaled into the alveoli. And since they are inert and can't be dissolved
in lung fluid or sucessfully ingested and dissolved by phages, they are
probably going to remain there indefinitely. But they are just another of
the types of particles we suck up and take with us forever on the dusty roads
of life. They also are a small contributor to the loss of lung capacity we
all experience as we age.
In recognition of this hazard, paraffin fume has the same TLV (2 mg/m3) as
kaolin and talc (which are also inert particulates) .
Paraffin fume is a good thing to avoid, but the other emissions from hot wax
such as acrolein, formaldehyde and other aldehydes are more damaging.
Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St., # 23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
ACTSNYC@cs.com
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