Tommy Humphries on fri 16 mar 01
I think, and am sure that it will be pointed out quickly if I am wrong, that
the danger of manganese was from breathing the fumes from firing and not
absorbsion through the skin.
Tommy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gabrielle"
To:
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 12:40 PM
Subject: Manganese Dioxide on Hands?
Gabrielle on fri 16 mar 01
Hi Everyone,
I have wanted to ask this question for a long time, but a fellow clay =
bud and I were talking=20
yesterday and it got me to thinking....
About four or five years ago I took an intro. to clay class at a local =
community center. The
instructor had graduated from a local college with a ceramics program. =
Perhaps a one year
program. Anyway, during our class she gave us the option of brushing a =
water and mang. mixture
over our pieces for the stained/purpley look at ^5 or 6. During =
application we brushed it on and
it got everywhere. We were instructed to wipe it back with dry to damp =
paper towels.
Consequently, I went home with very black hands. I can't remember how =
long it took to wash it
off. So, my question is what does this mean. Have I been poisoned and =
don't know it? I would=20
really appreciate it if someone could spare a little time to let me know =
because I'm quite concerned.
Thanks,
Gabrielle
P.S.
I apologize for not going to the archives, but I really could use a =
current and relevant answer, to my
specific question.
KLeSueur@AOL.COM on fri 16 mar 01
I've been using a black glaze with manganese for about 8 years. About four
years ago I lost my sense of smell. The first place my doctor looked for a
reason was heavy metals. Testing showed no problem with heavy metals, no
elevated levels of manganese or any other metals. It took a while, but the
problem was successfully treated. Given how much I use this glaze I feel
that the dangers of manganese are exaggerated. If one is careful in mixing,
applying, and firing glazes then I think the risk is minimal. Unfortunately,
too many potters take their health for granted until the damage is already
done.
Kathi LeSueur
Ann Arbor, Mi
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