Nancy Udell on sat 11 dec 04
Hi Ron,
Agree that Wildavsky's idea may not be immediately and obviously
applicable to this situation (use of lead in studio), but I love the
phrase so much that I try to use it as often as possible. Of course I
agree that basic safety measures are important, and that choices we
make about using lead should be made in such a way so as not to impose
those choices (and risks) on others unknowingly.
But Wildavsky's ( i think brilliant) insight is important in this
world we live in. The basic example goes as follows: Should I go
jogging? Pro: It is good for my health. Con: it increases my chances
of getting hit by a car and, under certain circumstances, my chances of
heart attack. I want to avoid the latter two risks. Perhaps then I
get fat and die from inactivity as a result of my wish to eliminate all
risk.
A simple example, for sure, and one that can be picked apart in many
ways, But the basic idea -- that attempts to avoid all risk may lead
to increased danger -- is one we have lost sight of I think.
Another example. We want to eliminate all risk in the workplace.
Doing so is quite expensive. As a result of expensive safety measures,
workers are paid lower wages. The reduced standard of living turns out
to be more detrimental to the workers' health than exposure to
(moderate) reasonable risk.
A review of Widavsky's book is here for (i'm sure) a much better
explanation of his ideas: http://www.fee.org/vnews.php?nid=2048
How in the world can this idea possibly be applicable to using lead bi
silica in the studio? Ok, I'll give it a try. Thru clay art and other
fora, we succeed in convincing all potters that materials such as lead
(and perhaps barium) should never be used under any circumstances in
the studio. Potters of the next generation grow up with the idea that
there are no potentially carcinogenic materials in the studio and (1)
lose the habit of special safety that should come with use of those
materials if they should come in contact with them (2) fail to consider
that newly introduced/ discovered materials might have this
characteristic.
OK, as i said, it's not a complete fit with this situation, but who
can resist saying: "The secret of safety lies in danger" when the
occasion arises? And i think it's an idea we as a society might spend
a bit more time thinking about...
Thanks for all the great work you do and your incredible generosity on
this list. I LOVE your book, have the software, understand the
importance of safety and stability in functional ware....
Nancy
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 2004 01:12:46 -0500
From: Ron Roy
Subject: Re: lead glaze
And perhaps the secret to danger lies in safety.
Ron Roy on mon 13 dec 04
Thanks for this Nancy,
I know it sounds like I am telling people to not use toxic materials but
that is not my intention. Besides - who am I to to tell anyone what they
should or not do - I have no authority to do that.
I do feel that we should know what we are doing - so we can make decisions
that are in keeping with our morality.
Many potters use toxic materials without knowing what the problems can be -
for themselves - their families and their customers. I am sure there are
some who would rather not know but my morality tells me to say something.
Part of the problem for potters - especially those who make a living from
selling functional pots - is when there is bad news about hand made ware.
Customers get turned off and those who are paying attention suffer as well.
I think we should do as good a job as possible - and learn what is needed
to do the job right. In fact the better we do the job the better it will be
for us and others like us.
I know this is a tough job and unwelcome by the majority - I'm a potter - I
did not choose an easy profession so I'm used to climbing hills - I enjoy
it in fact.
RR
> How in the world can this idea possibly be applicable to using lead bi
>silica in the studio? Ok, I'll give it a try. Thru clay art and other
>fora, we succeed in convincing all potters that materials such as lead
>(and perhaps barium) should never be used under any circumstances in
>the studio. Potters of the next generation grow up with the idea that
>there are no potentially carcinogenic materials in the studio and (1)
>lose the habit of special safety that should come with use of those
>materials if they should come in contact with them (2) fail to consider
>that newly introduced/ discovered materials might have this
>characteristic.
>
> OK, as i said, it's not a complete fit with this situation, but who
>can resist saying: "The secret of safety lies in danger" when the
>occasion arises? And i think it's an idea we as a society might spend
>a bit more time thinking about...
>
> Thanks for all the great work you do and your incredible generosity on
>this list. I LOVE your book, have the software, understand the
>importance of safety and stability in functional ware....
>
>Nancy
Ron Roy
RR#4
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Phone: 613-475-9544
Fax: 613-475-3513
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