Art Safety: Printmaking

General Chemicals

Inks

Intaglio, lithography and relief inks consist of pigments suspended in either linseed oil or water as a vehicle.  There can be additional hazardous binders or preservatives, etc.

Hazards

Oil-based inks contain treated linseed oils.  While linseed oil is not considered a hazard by skin contact or inhalation, ingestion of large amounts of some treated linseed oils might be hazardous due to presence of small amounts of toxic heavy metals.  Oil vehicles are flammable when heated, and rags soaked in these may ignite by spontaneous combustion.

Precautions

1. Know what materials are used.  Obtain the  safety data sheets (SDSs) on all products used.  Use the least toxic inks possible.
2. Do not use an open flame to heat linseed oil, linseed oil, varnishes, or burnt plate oil.  Take normal fire prevention measures (e.g. no smoking or open flames in work area).
3. Place oil-soaked rags in self-closing disposal cans and remove from the studio each day.  An alternative is to place the oil-soaked rags in a pail of water.

Pigments

Pigments are the colorants used in lithography, intaglio, and relief printing inks.  There are two types of pigments: inorganic pigments, and organic pigments.

Hazards

1. Pigment poisoning can occur if pigments are inhaled or ingested.  For normal printing with prepared inks, the main hazard is accidental ingestion of pigments due to eating, drinking or smoking while working, or inadvertent hand to mouth contact.
2. The classic example of a toxic inorganic pigment in printmaking is lead chromate (chrome yellow).  Lead pigments can cause anemia, gastrointestinal problems, peripheral nerve damage (and brain damage in children), kidney damage and reproductive system damage.  Other inorganic pigments may be hazardous also, including pigments based on cobalt, cadmium, and manganese.
3. Some of the inorganic pigments, in particular cadmium pigments, chrome yellow and zinc yellow (zinc chromate) may cause lung cancer if inhaled.  In addition, lamp black and carbon black may contain impurities that can cause skin cancer.
4. Chromate pigments (chrome yellow and zinc yellow) may cause skin ulceration and allergic skin reactions.
5. The long-term hazards of the modern synthetic organic pigments have not been well studied.

Precautions

1. Obtain SDSs on all pigments.  This is especially important because the name that appears on label of the color may or may not truly represent the pigments present.
2. Use the safest pigments possible.  Avoid lead pigments.
3. Avoid mixing dry pigments whenever possible.  If dry pigments are mixed, wear a NIOSH-approved toxic dust respirator.

Solvents

In general, organic solvents are one of the most underrated hazards in art materials.  Organic solvents are used in printmaking to dissolve and mix with oils, resins, varnishes, and inks, and to clean plates, rollers, tools, and even hands.

Hazards

1. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with solvents can cause defatting of the skin and resultant dermatitis.  Many solvents can also be harmful through skin absorption.
2. Inhalation of solvent vapors is the major way in which solvents are harmful.  High concentrations of most solvents can cause dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, or coma.  This can also increase the chances for mistakes and accidents.
3. Many solvents are toxic if ingested. Swallowing an ounce of turpentine can be fatal.
4. Most solvents, except chlorinated hydrocarbons, are also either flammable or combustible.

Precautions

1. Obtain the SDS on all solvent products used.  Use the least toxic solvent possible.  For example, replace the more toxic methyl alcohol with denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
2. Use adequate ventilation.
3. Keep minimum amounts of solvents on hand and purchase in smallest practical container size.  Large amounts of solvents or solvent-containing materials should be stored in a flammable storage cabinet.
4. Never store solvents or solvent-containing materials in food or drink containers. Always label containers.
5. Do not allow smoking, open flames or other sources of ignition near solvents.
6. Have a class B fire extinguisher in the area.  If ordinary combustible materials are present, you may need a Class ABC fire extinguisher.
7. Wear gloves when handling solvents to avoid skin contact In particular do not use solvents to clean ink off hands.  Baby oil is a good substitute.

Acids

Acids are used in intaglio (acid etching) and in lithography.  Strong acids commonly used include nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and phosphoric acid, and less commonly carbolic acid (phenol), chromic acid, hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids.

Hazards

1. Concentrated acids are corrosive to the skin, eyes, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system.  Dilute acids can cause skin irritation on repeated or prolonged contact.
2. Chromic acid is a skin sensitizer, suspect carcinogen, and oxidizer.
3. Phenol is highly toxic by skin absorption and ingestion.  It may cause severe kidney damage, central nervous system effects and even death if absorbed in large amounts.
4. Hydrofluoric acid is highly toxic and can cause severe, deep burns which require medical attention.  There is no immediate pain warning from contact with hydrofluoric acid.
5. Concentrated nitric acid is a strong oxidizing agent and can react explosively with other concentrated acids, solvents, etc.  Nitric acid gives off various nitrogen oxide gases, including nitrogen dioxide which is a strong lung irritant and can cause emphysema.

Precautions

1. Know what is used.  Obtain the SDS for all acids.
2. Whenever possible avoid concentrated acids.
3. Doing acid etching requires working in a enclosed hood, or in front of a slot exhaust hood or window exhaust fan at work level.
4. Store concentrated nitric and chromic acids away from organic materials.  Concentrated nitric acid should always be stored separately even from other acids.
5. An important safety rule when diluting concentrated acids is to add the acid to the water, never the reverse.
6. Wear appropriate gloves, goggles and protective apron or lab coat when handling acids.
7. If adequate ventilation is not available, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with acid gas cartridges.
8. If acid is spilled on your skin, wash with lots of water.  In case of eye contact, rinse the eyes with water for at least 15-20 minutes and seek medical attention.