Every day we find that more and more of the chemicals we eat, breathe, drink, or work with are in some way hazardous to our health. From childhood on we work with art materials and are encouraged to really get our hands into our work. In years past, we didn't know that many of the materials artists work with are hazardous, and some can even prove life-threatening. Some dangerous habits have developed over the years. We now know that exposure to chemicals on a prolonged basis or at high concentrations can cause serious health problems - some that do not show symptoms until many years after exposure.
Many factors affect one's risk of health problems related to chemical exposures.
Those who smoke, drink large amounts of alcoholic beverages or have allergies are more susceptible than those who don't. Reproductive factors may affect both men and women. Those under stress, elderly people, and children are also generally at higher risk. You have a right to know about the hazards of the materials you use. Your professor will also help you determine what protective equipment should be used for a particular material, and will show you how to use it properly.