ACTSNYC@CS.COM on sat 30 dec 00
>
> ------Original Message------
> From: Gayle Bair
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Sent: December 29, 2000 9:10:48 PM GMT
> Subject: Safety- Dust in Hair
> Hi all,
> I searched in the archives but
> didn't see any
> reference to this subject.
> I have followed the threads on
> safety wearing masks, eye gear etc.
> I may have one to add to the list.
>
> A few weeks ago I had to sand a bisqued
> piece. Using my Dremel tool I was kicking up
> a cloud and was wearing goggles
> and a dust mask. I opened the garage
> door and even took it outside for a while.
>
> When I was done I changed my clothes.
> That night before retiring I brushed my hair
> and notice the feel was quite different that usual.
> I realized that my hair had attracted a lot of
> the dust.
> I washed my hair to get rid of the dust.
> Now I know that if and when I do that again I should
> either cover my hair or wash it.
> All my precautions could have been for naught if I had
> gone to bed and slept with all that dust in my hair.
>
> Gayle Bair- Now I need to wear a shower cap in
> the studio! How chic! Perhaps there are some
> Space suits on EBay!
------------------------------------
This is why the OSHA Lead Standard requires employers whose workers are
exposed to more than the action level of lead dust be provided showers and
changing rooms at the work site. The tiny amount of lead dust--even less
than you would notice--can contaminate the home environment to harm the
worker and his family.
The name for this source of exposure is called "Take Home Toxics." In a
1995 "Report to Congress on Workers' Home Contamination Study Conducted Under
The Workers' Family Protection Act" details of this kind of contamination
were discussed and cases outlined. Both ceramics and stained glass were
mentioned as sources of take home lead.
If enough lead can be taken home from the studio on skin, hair, clothing,
shoes, etc., to be a hazard, imagine the potential exposures of families who
have potteries or stained glass studios actually in the home. It boggles
the mind.
Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St., #23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
ACTSNYC@cs.com
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