Emerald green and Schele's green are human carcinogens. Contain copper acetoarsenite. Chronic ingestion or inhalation can cause digestive disturbances, liver damage, peripheral nervous system damage, and kidney and blood damage. Flake white is a tertogen and suspected mutagen. Both acute and chronic ingestion or inhalation can cause lead poisoning.
Inhalation is more of a problem than ingestion.
Other common effects include weakness, headaches, irritability, malaise, pain in the joints and muscles, liver and kidney damage, and possibly birth defects. Hansa yellow is a suspected carcinogen. Lithol red is a suspected carcinogen and may cause allergies. Some grades are highly contaminated by soluble barium - see barium yellow entry. May also be contaminated with cancer causing chemicals.