Hidden Dangers in Art Supplies: A Closer Look

Adhesives and Glues That Harmed More Than They Held Together

Many artists relied on adhesives without realizing the risks involved. Animal hide glue, made by boiling animal parts, was common in traditional art and craft. While natural, it could foster mold growth if stored improperly due to its susceptibility to moisture, causing allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

(source: Animal Glue - Types and History of Animal Glue)

Heated glues, often used in unventilated spaces, released fumes that irritated the lungs and eyes. For example, hot wax or resin adhesives emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could cause headaches and dizziness. Artists working in small studios without proper ventilation faced chronic exposure.

Varnishes and Shellacs with Toxic Fumes

Varnishes and shellacs gave artworks a glossy finish but often contained alcohol and other solvents. Alcohol-based finishes evaporated quickly, releasing fumes that could cause nausea and long-term lung damage. When heated, resins used in varnishes emitted toxic gases.

Artists applying these finishes in enclosed spaces risked inhaling dangerous vapors. Some early varnishes contained lead or arsenic compounds, adding to the toxicity. Awareness of these dangers was limited, and protective gear was rarely used.

Sculptural Materials That Threatened Lungs and Skin

Sculptors faced unique hazards from their materials. Plaster dust, created when mixing or sanding, could be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing irritation and long-term respiratory problems. Silica dust, common in some sculpting stones and sand, is now known to cause silicosis, a serious lung disease.

Fiberglass, used in modern sculpture, can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Without protective clothing and masks, artists risked chronic irritation and allergic reactions. Polyester resin, considered by many sculptors to be superior to the safer epoxy resin, contains styrene, known to be both genotoxic and carcinogenic.

Working with large pieces of metal can also be hazardous. Although they may not seem directly linked to causing illness, there have been several instances of large-scale sculptors being seriously injured or even killed due to the size and weight of the material. For example, Alexander Calder’s painted steel sculpture Five Disks, One Empty (1969-70) (pictured below) crushed two art handlers during the monumental stabile’s installation at Princeton University in 1971.

(source: Work Category Monumental Sculpture | Calder Foundation)

Printmaking Hazards Hidden in the Process

Printmakers used acid baths to etch metal plates, exposing themselves to corrosive chemicals. Using ferric chloride for etching copper or zinc plates, whereas nitric acid may be used for etching zinc or steel plates. Acid fumes could burn skin and damage lungs if inhaled. Metal dust from grinding plates also posed inhalation risks.

(source: Etching - The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Solvent washes, used to clean tools and plates, often contained toxic chemicals like turpentine or benzene. Prolonged exposure could lead to neurological damage and skin disorders. Proper ventilation and protective gloves were essential but not always practiced.

Photography Chemicals That Left a Toxic Legacy

Early photographic processes involved hazardous substances. Darkroom exposure to silver nitrate caused skin burns and eye irritation. Silver nitrate is also toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Mercury was used in daguerreotypes, one of the first photographic methods. Mercury vapors are highly toxic, affecting the nervous system. Artists and photographers working with these chemicals often suffered from mercury poisoning without understanding the cause.

(source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157814697)

Preservation Materials That Carried Hidden Risks

Artists and collectors used chemicals to preserve specimens and artworks. Formaldehyde, a common preservative, is a strong irritant and a known carcinogen. It was used in early taxidermy methods and studio reference collections.

Arsenic was also used historically to preserve biological specimens. Exposure to arsenic can cause severe poisoning and long-term health issues. Many artists handled these materials without protective measures, unaware of the dangers.

Conclusion: Staying Safe While Creating

As artists, we must be aware of the materials we use. Understanding the potential risks can help us make informed choices. By prioritizing safety, we can continue to create inspiring works of art without compromising our health.

Incorporating safer alternatives and protective measures can make a significant difference. Let's embrace creativity while being mindful of our well-being. After all, art should inspire and uplift, not endanger our health.