Beautiful ceramic art appeals to the eye, but ceramic artists face serious health risks if they don’t use common sense and practice a few basic safety precautions. Raw ceramic materials can be harmless, but some of the materials can prove to be toxic. By paying attention to the ingredients used and the proper way to handle them, the ceramic artist can work on their creations without affecting their health and safety. The end result will be beautiful finished creations made in a safe environment.
Clay Dust
Pottery studios are dusty due to the nature of the business. Dry clay dust contains miniscule particles called “free silica” that can cause severe damage to lungs when routinely inhaled. Years of inhalation can lead to life-long health issues.
To prevent these health risks, a dust mask should be worn when mixing or working with ceramics products like clay dust or ceramic glaze. Inexpensive disposable dust masks are readily available and will help prevent dust inhalation. When cleaning the pottery shop, use a wet sponge to wipe down surfaces. A dry cloth or brush can stir up dust and force it into the air. A wet mop can clean floors without wafting the clay dust into the air. A dry broom should never be used to clean the floor.
Pottery Glaze
Powdered or dry pottery glaze can also be dangerous when inhaled. A mask will prevent the dust from being breathed in during the process of mixing the glaze with water. Some of the glaze ingredients will require the use of rubber gloves during the mixing process. Always check to see what ingredients are in the glaze mixtures when working with them.
Ceramic glaze is best sprayed onto the ceramic art in an enclosed booth custom made for the process. If a booth isn’t available, the glaze should be sprayed outdoors. The area needs to be well-ventilated for optimum safety.
Personal Safety Precautions in the Ceramic Studio
Clay dust will cling to the artist’s clothes, so any clothes worn in the studio should be handled carefully and washed often. Hands can be contaminated with silica or lead, so food and drinks should be left outside the pottery shop. Hands should be thoroughly washed after working with the ceramic glaze or clay dust.
Cuts and open wounds need to be protected with proper bandages. Surgical gloves will add another layer of protection and prevent toxic materials from entering the bloodstream through open skin.
By taking proper safety precautions, the ceramic art experience can provide years of creative enjoyment. A ceramic artist will be able to make beautiful ceramic pottery without risking unnecessary health ailments.
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Paige Dooly - Paige Dooly is the author of nineteen books and novellas and has written and published over 200 articles. As a homeschooling mother of ...
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