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Many toxins that are hazards in dust pigment form are safe once they are encased in a binder.  For example, many coloured pencils use toxic pigments, however, those pigments are not released in dust form due to the binder that causes those pigments to "solidify".  On the other hand, dusts are released with the use of pastels or may be released via sanding or flaking of acrylic paints so special attention must be paid to the use of these materials.  Pigments that may not be a hazard in a binder may be very toxic by respiration of dusts or if the pigments are heated (such as the use of hot plates with printmaking inks).

Dictionary of Toxins Related to Art Materials

bullet1-Amino-2, 4-dibromoanthraquinone – Carcinogen and causes multiple tumor sites in multiple species of experimental animals.
bullet2-Amino-3, 4-dimethylimdazo quinoline – Carcinogen.
bulletAcrylamide/2-Propenamide/ethylene Carboxamide/Acrylic Amide/Vinyl Amide – Warning! Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.  Affects central and peripheral nervous systems and reproductive system.  Causes skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.  Severe carcinogen, teratogen, and mutagen.  Explosive hazard – unstable above 50C. Goggle, protective clothing, proper gloves, and proper respiratory protection required.  Acrylamide is a suspected human carcinogen, severe neurotoxin, and causes irritation of the eye, skin (is readily absorbed), and respiratory tract.  Inhalation may drowsiness, tingling sensations, fatigue, weakness, stumbling, slurred speech, and shaking.  May cause central and peripheral nervous system damage.  Severe intoxications may cause permanent nerve damage.  Causes irritation to the respiratory tract.  May affect reproductive system and act as a teratogen.  Toxic by ingestion.  Causes systemic poisoning along with same symptoms as inhalation.  Skin contact may cause irritation and redness. Can be absorbed through the skin causing system poisoning along with same symptoms as inhalation.  Eye contact causes irritation.  Prolonged or repeated exposure through any route may cause muscular weakness, lack of coordination, skin rashes, excessive sweating of hands and feet, cold hands, peeling of the skin, numbness, abnormal skin or muscle sensations, fatigue, and cause central and peripheral nervous system damage.  Carcinogen.  May affect the reproductive system and is a teratogen.  Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, or central or peripheral nervous system conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.  Because of the toxic and highly absorptive nature of Acrylamide, quickly provide first aid to minimize health effects.  Immediately get medical attention for ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact.  If ingested induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personal.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  Do not expose Acrylamide to heat, UV light, oxidizers, or peroxides.  Control measures required are good personal cleanliness and housekeeping to prevent skin contact.  Wear clean work clothing daily.  Do no home launder.  If cloths become contaminated, remove at once, wash skin with soap and water and launder clothing before reuse.  Destroy contaminated leather goods.  May polymerize explosively and is thermally unstable.  Conditions to avoid are heat, shock, UV light, ignition sources, and incompatibles.  Incompatible with acids, bases, oxidizing agents, iron and iron salts, copper, aluminum, brass, and free radical initiators.  Toxic! May cause cancer.  Possible teratogen.  Possible Mutagen.  Readily absorbed through skin.  Inhalation may be fatal.  May cause CNS damage.  Skin, eye, and respiratory irritant.  Requires safety glasses, gloves, and effective ventilation.  Handle as a carcinogen.
bulletAcrylic paints and Water-Based Oil Paints – Health hazard. Ingestion may be irritating to GI tract.  Pre-existing skin, eye, and respiratory disorders, impaired functions from pre-existing skin, eye and respiratory disorders may be aggravated by exposure to this product.  Avoid contact with skin or eyes.  Avoid prolonged or repeated contact.  Skin contact requires wiping excess from skin and flushing with water using soap then seek medical attention if irritation occurs.  If ingested call doctor, hospital, or poison control center.  Spray and dust hazard.  If dusts or sprays are inhaled remove victim to fresh air and treat symptoms.  Use approved dust/mist respirator for dust or spray (such as airbrush) hazards.  Do not release into environment and dispose of as a hazardous material.  Use requires impervious gloves and splash guard goggles.  Eyewash fountains and safety showers should be available for use in an emergency.
bulletAlklyds – Oil modified alklyd resin.  Toxic via skin contact.  Neoprene of rubber gloves should be worn when using alklyds.  Eye contact may cause redness or irritation.  Inhalation will cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and possible nervous system depression.  Ingestion will cause nausea, gastrointestinal irritation, or vomiting.  Skin contact may cause rash, cracking, dryness, or defatting of skin.  Pre-existing skin or lung conditions may be aggravated by exposure to alklyds.  Use adequate ventilation.  Low flash point due to presence of linseed oils.  Immerse contaminated rags in water till they can be disposed of.     
bulletAluminum flake – toxic.  Irritant dust hazard to eyes and respiratory tract.  Concentrates in the body.  Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to aluminum content in the body.  Chronic exposure to dust includes shortness of breath, weakness, and cough.  Avoid skin contact.  Do not launder contaminated clothing with regular laundry.  Wash skin thoroughly upon contact.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling aluminum.  Wear protective clothing and chemically resistant gloves.
bulletAmmonia – Vapour is irritating to eyes and respiratory system.  If skin contact occurs wash with soap and water.
bulletAniline/4,4’-Thiodianiline – Carcinogen.
bulletAnthraquinone – Mild allergen and mildly toxic.  Dust is harmful by ingestion, inhalation and through skin contact.  Eye, skin, and respiratory irritant.  May cause allergic skin reaction.
bulletBarium – Poisoning may cause nausea, sickness, stomach pains, and diarrhea as well as inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis).  Skin contact can cause ulceration.  Avoid skin and eye contact and use adequate ventilation.  If sprays or dusts are presents a full-face chemical respirator and chemical resistant gloves are necessary.  If ingested seek medical attention immediately.  Systemic effects of ingestion include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Dispose of as a hazard and prevent contamination of groundwater.  Prolonged inhalation of dusts or sprays may cause baritosis, a benign pneumoconiosis.  If ingested, the presence of soluble barium as impurities may cause toxic reactions due to bioaccumulation.  Organs affected are lung, thorax, or respiratory tumors.  Tumorigenic (causes tumors.
bulletBenzene – inhalation hazard - may cause blood dyscrasias. Vapor harmful. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.  A known human carcinogen.
bulletBenziminazole/Bensoisthiazolinone/Azo/Azo Condensation Yellow/Benzimidazalone orange – Serious toxin, irritant, and sensitizer.  Carcinogen.  Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.
bulletCadmium – Carcinogen and irritant.  Avoid contact with skin.  Prolonged skin contact causes dermatitis.  Can be absorbed through the skin.  Requires safety glasses, adequate ventilation, and gloves.  Requires respiratory protection if dusts are present.  Harmful to aquatic organisms and water treatment plants.  Dispose of as toxic waste.  Avoid overheating due to resultant toxic fumes.
bulletCalcium Carbonate – Avoid eye and skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.  Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose.  If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.  Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.  Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this product.  Gloves required.  Irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.  Avoid breathing dust.
bulletCarbon Black/Pigment Black/Lamp Black – Inhalation hazard: overexposure may cause irritation of the nose and throat with sneezing, sore throat or runny nose.  Avoid contact with skin or eyes.  Skin contact: repeated and/or prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation with redness, swelling, itching or discomfort.  Eye contact may cause irritation with redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause inflammation of the lining membrane of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis) with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Fine, insoluble pigment particles will deposit in folds and depressions in the skin and present a problem in removal.  Vigorous scrubbing will contribute to skin hazard.  Carcinogen.  May be harmful by ingestion or inhalation.  Respiratory irritant.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to hazardous effects.
bulletCarbonium/Phenol Resin SS – May cause eye and skin irritation.  May cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation.  For skin contact flush skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothing.  If ingested, water mouth out with water and call physician.  Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and Carbonium ions.
bulletChromium – Human carcinogen.  Avoid exposure.
bulletCobalt/Oxides of cobalt and tin and aluminum  – Carcinogen.  Requires safety glasses, gloves, and good ventilation. Soluble cobalt may cause allergic reaction upon skin contact.  Prolonged skin contact causes dermatitis.  Avoid skin contact.  Soluble cobalt may cause damage to the heart if ingested.
bulletContact cement – contains either toluene or trichloroethane – both toxic and flammable.
bulletCromalin (silver) toner – full gear personal protection required = chemical respiratory protection, eye goggles, and skin protection especially including chemical resistant gloves.  - Do not flush to surface water or sewer system.  Dispose of as a hazard.  Incompatible and will react with strong oxidizer. Avoid dust generation, as dust is explosive, avoid breathing dust, and avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Keep container tightly closed.  Dust may cause breathing difficulties.  Flush eyes for 15 minutes if eye contact occurs then call a physician.  If ingested call a physician.  May contain carbon black, which is a known carcinogen.
bulletDiarylide yellow/ BON Arylamide yellow/ Acrylamide yellow – serious toxin.
bulletDiazoaminobenzene – metabolizes in the body into benzene – a known human carcinogen.
bulletDiethylene glycol – harmful if swallowed.  Ingredient in scented and water-based markers.
bulletDioxazine – dust hazard only and a possible allergen.  May aggravate pre-existing skin or eye conditions.
bulletDry Erase Markers and Dry Erase Cleaner – Very toxic.  Contains pigments, resins, methyl isobutyl ketone, and n-butyl acetate.
bulletEthylene glycol – harmful or fatal if swallowed.
bulletFlake white – contains lead but has been exempted from ban because, according to the ACMI “some adult artists feel is essential in preparing an oil canvas to give the permanence necessary for a work of art and for which there is no substitute”.  BAS recommends the use of titanium white as a suitable substitute.
bulletFormaldehyde – strong sensitizer.
bulletGlutaraldehyde/Gluteraldehyde and 4-chlor-3, 5-xylenol – Teratogen.  Harmful.  Watercolour paint base.  Highly toxic.  May be fatal if inhaled.  May act as a sensitizer.  Harmful if absorbed through skin.  Very destructive of mucous membranes.   May cause allergic reaction.  Chemical respirator required for spray or dusts.  Gloves required.  Dispose of as a hazard.  Avoid prolonged skin contact.
bulletGraphite – dust hazard only.  Avoid eye and skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.  Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose.  If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.  Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.  Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this product.  Gloves required.
bulletGum Arabic – Avoid eye and skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.  Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose.  If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.  Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.  Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this product.  Gloves required.  Decomposition products are toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
bulletHydrated Aluminums – Aluminum trihydroxide.  Can cause mild irritation to eyes and skin.  Can cause mild upper respiratory tract irritation.  Asthma, chronic lung disease, and skin rashes are aggravated by exposure.  Avoid generating dust.  Do not inhale dust.  If dust is present use respiratory device Filter NIOSH N95.  Wear vinyl or nitrile glove to avoid skin contact.  Safety goggles with splash guard recommended.  Dangerous products of decomposition are coated ATH, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde.  Dispose of at an industrial landfill as a hazard.
bulletIron Oxide/Red Oxide – Dust hazard.  Wear dust mask respirator.  Avoid eye and skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.  Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose.  If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.  Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.  Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this product.  Keep from entering groundwater.
bulletIsodoline/diazomethane/azimethylene/diazirine/azomethylene – Unstable.  Gas may explode violently.  Heat, high-intensity light, shock, or contact with rough surfaces may cause diazomethane to explode violently, especially if impurities are present.  Incompatible with alkali metals, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, boiling stones, and copper powder so contact will cause explosions.  Extreme explosive risk.  Vapor is flammable.  Severe respiratory tract, allergen, eye and skin effects similar to acids.  Carcinogen.  Chemical resistant full body protection and gloves plus full face mask respiration for acids required.  Spills or releases are reportable to the EPA. 
bulletLake base/lake of natural madder – Blanc fix, alumina hydrate, and barium sulfate.
bulletLead – Excessive carcinogen.
bulletLead Carbonate – Prolonged skin contact causes dermatitis.  Cumulative poison.  Symptoms include colic, constipation, and anemia.  Avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid ingestion.  Keep in closed container.  Dispose of as a hazardous waste.  Gloves required.
bulletLiquid India ink – Acetic Acid is the hazardous component and is an irritant to skin and eyes.  Ensure adequate ventilation.  Avoid contact with skin and eyes.  Avoid inhaling vapour.
bulletLiquin – Keep in closed containers away from heat.  Dispose of as a hazard.  Ensure adequate ventilation.  Avoid inhaling vapor. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.  Both liquid and vapor is irritating to eyes and skin.  Excessive exposure can cause headache, and dizziness. Avoid prolonged skin contact.  Prolonged skin contact will cause dermatitis.  If skin contact occurs wash with water and remove contaminated clothing.  If skin irritation occurs or persists contact physician.  If inhalation occurs remove to fresh air and get medical attention if necessary.  If ingested give water to drink and get medical attention.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.  Combustible.  Irritating to skin and eyes. Caution: contains petroleum distillate.  Strong oxidant and will dissolve plastics.  Keep out of reach of children.
bulletLithopone – A white pigment of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide.  Lithopone was once a primary substitute for lead carbonate white pigments but has been largely replaced by titanium dioxide.
bulletManganese – Avoid contact with skin.  Ingestion may cause damage to the nervous system.  Prolonged contact with skin may cause contact dermatitis.
bulletMarkers such as permanent & dry eraser (including dry erase cleaner) – Contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as isopropyl alcohol, ketone and butyl cullusolve that can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat.
bulletMethyl alcohol/Methanol – ingestion may result in blindness or death.  Vapor harmful.  Cannot be made non-poisonous.
bulletMica – in paints only micas in encapsulated in titanium dioxide so the following effects are not expected to occur: Mica may irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat.  Repeated excessive exposures by inhalation may cause chronic lung disorders.  Symptoms may initially include irritation of the upper respiratory passages or chronic lung disorders with lung insufficiency.  Individuals with pre-existing lung disease may have increased susceptibility to the toxicity of excessive exposures.
bulletMineral Spirits –Paint thinner and solvent distilled from petroleum.
bulletModel cement or airplane glue – may contain acetone or toluene.
bulletNaphtha/Naphthalene/Naphthol/Carbaryl/Hexachlorobutadiene – Volatile Oil Compound (VOC) petroleum distillates that can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat.  Carcinogen.
bulletNitrobenzene – used in the production of aniline dyes.  Carcinogen.
bulletOx gall – Deoxycholic acid.  Mutagen.  Caution labeling required.  Irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea vomiting and diarrhea.  May be harmful if swallowed.  If eye contact occurs flush eyes including under lids and seek medical attention immediately.  If irritation persists or develops after skin contact seek medical aid.  If ingested drink 2-4 cups water or milk and seek medical aid.  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.  Use with adequate ventilation and keep containers tightly closed.
bulletPerylene Red – serious toxin.
bulletPerylene/Benzo Perylene – Causes eye and skin irritation.  Harmful if swallowed.  May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  May cause respiratory tract irritation.  Carcinogen.  Get medical aid for eye, skin, respiratory, or gastrointestinal irritations that develop or persist.  Avoid contact with skin or eyes.  Avoid ingesting.  If using dusts or sprays (airbrush or sanding) use only with a chemical fume hood with dust/mist respirator, chemical goggles, and chemical resistant gloves.  Do not contact with oxidizing agents.  Hazardous decomposition products are carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.  Carcinogen, teratogen, and mutagen.  Will accumulate in the body.  Dispose of as a hazard.  Will be absorbed through the skin.  Protective clothing and gloves required.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.  Contaminated clothing must be cleaned immediately after use then wash skin with soap and water.  DO NOT let this chemical enter the environment.  This substance is hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to the total environment.  In the food chain important to human, bioaccumulation takes place, specifically in oils and fats (i.e. fish in lakes and streams).  The utmost care must be taken with this product.
bulletPetroleum Distillates - Vapor harmful. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.  Includes kerosene, mineral seal oil, naphtha, gasoline, mineral spirits, and Stoddard solvent.
bulletPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) – Include mineral oil, mineral spirits, turpentine, Liquin and other solvents.  Can readily evaporate into the air and do not dissolve easily in water.  In soils, they are most likely to stick tightly to particles and move through soil to contaminate underground water. They stick to solid particles and settle to the bottoms of lakes or rivers.  PAHs also attach to substances within the body such as body tissues or blood. PAHs are considered a teratogen, mutagen, and carcinogen.
bulletPolymer clays – Heating/combustion may cause hazardous decomposition products. Always work in a well-ventilated are when heating this product.  Not suitable for use in the average kitchen and kitchen stove.  Contain phthalate esters that act like an acid on the lungs if overheated.  (Over)heating releases hydrogen chloride gas extremely toxic and requires full face chemical respirator suitable for acids to protect eyes and respiratory tract.  Remove to fresh air immediately and give artificial respiration if person is not breathing.  Contact physician if these vapors are inhaled.  
bulletPotassium Sulfate – dust hazard.  Avoid eye and skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.  Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and runny nose.  If sufficient amounts are inhaled and absorbed symptoms may resemble those in acute ingestion.  Skin contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching and pain.  Eye contact may cause irritation with symptoms of redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and pain.  Ingestion may cause gastroenteritis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Systemic effects may follow and include ringing of the ears, dizziness, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision and tremors.  Persons with pre-existing eye or skin conditions or impaired pulmonary function may be more susceptible to the effects of this product.
bulletRubber cement – contains hexane or heptane, a nervous system depressant that can also cause nerve damage.  Extremely flammable.
bulletRubber erasers – latex hazard to skin.
bulletShellac/Drawing Inks – slightly toxic via skin and eye contact.  Causes mild irritation.  Flush eyes if contact occurs.  If skin contact occurs wash with mild soap and water.
bulletTartrazine lake/Pigment Yellow 100 – Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis.  Nausea and sickness will result if ingested.  Tartrazine may cause allergic reaction upon skin contact.
bulletToluene/Toluol - Vapor harmful. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.
bulletTurpentine in all forms – Ingestion results in systemic poisoning.  Vapor harmful. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.
bulletXylene/Xylol - Vapor harmful. Aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema.  Harmful or fatal if swallowed.