Health & Safety in Ceramics

Preparation, Application and Firing

Ceramics is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable of all hobbies, and one of the safest, if some simple commonsense precautions are taken. As with any activity, responsibility must be taken for safe practices.

General rules of good housekeeping and common sense should be applied when doing ceramics. Following simple rules will ensure your safety and help you produce great results when creating a ceramic project.

It is necessary to read health and safety information, and to talk to your dealer, distributor or certified ceramics technoligits about the safe use of ceramic products. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are available with your suppliers and it is essential to get them with the materials.

Materials should be properly labeled for material safety. Read labels with care. In ceramics, as in all areas of human activity, proper usage of products ensures safety. It is the responsibility of the user to read and understand the product label and to follow the guidelines for safety. Anyone not able to understand and follow the label instructions and safety guidelines should have a competent person supervising the application and usage of all ceramic products. Also the guidelines could translate, transform in to an unstandable format to the operative. The operations include the preparation, application and firing of these products. The person firing a kiln should have complete knowledge of and understand the specific instructions for operation of the kiln as provided by the manufacturer. The user should know any local ordinances applicable to the installation of the kiln.

To ensure your health and safety, follow these simple rules:

• Keep work surfaces and areas clean.
• Clean up spills when they occur. Do not allow to dry.
• Keep dust under control at all times.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink when working with hazardous ceramic materials. Do not put your brush or brush handle in your mouth.
• Wash your hands before you begin. The natural body oils and salts on your hands may affect the finished piece (in manual processing activities).
• Any open cuts should be properly covered.
• Wash your hands thoroughly when you are through working.
• Use a smock when working with ceramic materials. Wash often and separately from other garments.
• Keep children away from kilns and out of glaze dipping rooms. Only a qualified operatives should operate a kiln.
• Children should not use lead-containing glazes or other hazardous ceramic materials.
• Do not intermix dinnerware safe glazes containing lead.
• If pregnant or contemplating pregnancy, tell your physician about your work with ceramics.
• When using solvent-containing ceramic materials, work out doors, in a locally exhausting hood or with an exhaust fan. Do not use or store near kilns, other heat sources or an open flame. Dispose of used rags in an airtight metal container.
• Do not fire kilns in an enclosed area. Use a kiln ventilation system. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up and present a danger. Consult with your kiln supplier or manufacturer for more information.
• If you should ingest ceramic products, seek medical help immediately.

The labels on a product are very important and give you a wealth of information. Read the label for information on proper product use and hazards, if any.

Ceramic glazes are manufactured using a variety of raw materials. Most of the ingredients are mined and extracted from the ground. Some of these materials can be classified as toxic and if misused can be harmful. The key to safe use of all art materials starts with professional education and training.

Non-Toxic Glazes

Non-Toxic glazes are formulated without the addition of lead. They are tested for safety by an independent toxicologist. They meet FDA standards. You can use these glazes and products with confidence and ease. These products contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans or to cause acute or chronic health problems. This does not mean that any less care should be given while handling these products.

Dinnerware Safe (Food-Safe) Glazes

Many glazes are formulated to be safely used on surfaces that come into contact with food or drink.

• If surfaces will come into contact with food or drink, use only glazes that are labeled food or dinnerware safe. Follow label instructions closely.
• Do not mix lead-containing dinnerware safe glazes, as the balance of ingredients in each glaze will be disrupted. Each mixture would have to be re-tested by an approved laboratory to determine if the mixture is also food safe.
• It is the responsibility of anyone making pieces for resale to have them tested by an approved laboratory for lead release.
• Proper firing of dinnerware safe glazes is critical. Use shelf cones on the kiln shelves to ensure that the pieces are fired hot enough, even if the kiln is electronically controlled or has an automatic kiln sitter. Always fire in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. If crazed or under fired, these glazes may not be food safe. Too heavy an application of glaze, fast firing or not firing to the proper shelf cone listed on the label may result in a glaze that does not meet the FDA standards.

Lead and/or Cadmium Containing Glazes

Lead and cadmium are used in many ceramic glazes. Cadmium is used to produce brilliant reds and yellows. Lead gives brilliance to the glaze and allows the glazes to mature well at lower firing temperatures (shelf cone 06). 

• Glazes containing lead and/or cadmium should be handled with respect.
• The dust from such glazes should not be inhaled. Anyone who is pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should only use these glazes with professional supervision. Use good personal hygiene when working with these types of glazes.

Sprays, Solvents and Overglazes

These products are easy to use safely and will present no problems as long as these important rules are observed:

• Containers should be kept tightly closed when not in use.
• Aerosol sprays, solvents and solvent-based overglazes should be used outdoors, with a locally exhausting hood or spray booth or a window exhaust to assure adequate ventilation.
• Do not use near an open flame or heat source.
• Clean up after use and dispose of products properly in a metal container designed for disposal of flammable materials. Contaminated materials can be washed or placed under water until final disposal.

Slip

The mixture of any fine powder like slip requires the use of a safety mask approved by OSHA. The work area should be well ventilated with a system that draws all dust. This area should be away from other working areas so as not to spread the fine dust particles. Good housecleaning habits are necessary when mixing and pouring slips. Wipe up spills immediately. Do not sweep the area. Chronic lung damage may result from prolonged inhalation and exposure to the clay dust.