Lili Krakowski on mon 9 may 05
When I find someone who makes bumper stickers I want some that say: "If
ignorance is bliss, why is everybody on anti-depressants? "
A person who asked for advice on wood ash got snippy when it was offered.
Goodoh! Fortunately I had not pitched in with the advice to be careful of
that water as it is full of lye...
About manganese and chrome and barium, and lithium and like that. The
important thing is for the information about dangers TO BE OUT THERE. Every
potter should own an up to date health-in-the-studio book and everyone
should read the articles on safety in the magazines. (Monona Rossol writes
for Clay Times, Jeff Zamek appears in CM.)
I long ago was warned away from manganese containing clay bodies as the
stuff does get powdered as when one trims, and is likely to get in the air.
I have not used manganese containing bodies in years.Yes there will be some
incidental manganese in some clays. And yes there is some in stains.
Amount, exposure does matter.
As to those who say what about my vitamin/mineral pills? Kids get deathly
ill from taking a whole bottle of vitamins because they think it's candy.
The teensy amount in the proper dosage is safe. Large amounts are NOT.
I am a constant nag and warner. At least my conscience is clear. Everyone
on this list presumably is a grownup, free to make decisions, free to make
mistakes. The responsibility of each to each is to say: Should you not
throw the circuit breaker before replacing the switches in your kiln?
Should you not wear a mask when mixing glazes? Should you not avoid getting
this or that on your skin?
If people don't want to listen, fine. Too bad. Longevity and good health
may be over-rated. But let me add this. When I read that Warren McKenzie
has silicosis, and Bacia Edelman this bronchial disease, and when I know of
artists who died of lead poisoning from paint and printer's ink...I also
remember when "we" did not wear masks and handled raw lead bare handed, and
rubbed manganese into sculptures and like that....I am very grateful to have
escaped, so far, all these bad results. And more grateful that the warnings
are out there....
Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage
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