Dusts may be a concern in ceramics studios, where clay and glaze powders are mixed, in the woodworking shop, and in sculpture studios where plaster is used. Fumes - minuscule particles of metals can arise from ceramics kilns, welding, or casting operations. Harmful gases are associated with kilns and welding operations. Any dust inhaled at high concentrations can cause respiratory irritation, and increase susceptibility to respiratory ailments. Most glazes and many clays contain silica, which can cause a lung disease called silicosis if exposure levels are high and of long duration.
Many ceramics glazes also contain toxic metals such as lead and chromium.
These and metal fumes such as cobalt and chromium oxides, from kilns, welding and casting operations, can cause a variety of long-term health effects if inhaled. Certain types of wood dusts may be cancer-causing agents. Suffocating gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or sulfur dioxide can be emitted from kilns when they're being opened or closed, or if there is a failure in the venting systems on the kiln. The best protection from most of these respiratory hazards is strong local exhaust ventilation augmented by a sound general ventilation system. When working with lead solder or grinding ceramic pigments use a local exhaust ventilation source.