Health Hazards in Artists’ Studios

Artist Beware: The Hazards in Working with All Art and Craft Materials
& the Precautions Every Artist and Craftsperson Should Take
Author/Editor: Michael McCann
Revised edition. A comprehensive overview on preventing and
correcting health hazards of art and craft materials. Analyzes
materials and the harm they can create.
Publisher: The Lyons Press
Publication Date: 2005


The Artists Complete Health & Safety Guide 
Author/Editor: Monona Rossol
Revised edition. A guide to using potentially toxic materials
safely and ethically.
Publisher: Allworth Press
Publication Date: Revised 2019

The Green Guide for Artists: Nontoxic Recipes, Green Art Ideas, & Resources for the Eco-Conscious Artist Author: Karen Michel Inspires artists to make better eco-conscious choices within their work and their studios and shows them how. Includes recipes for DIY art supplies such as ones for mixing your own non-toxic paints and adhesives and making your own papers from recycled paper; safe and green practices for the workspace; a fresh look at using recycled materials; and a resource guide for eco-friendly materials and supplies, including websites and forum links. Publisher:  Quarry Books Publication date:  2009

Health Hazards Manual for Artists Author/Editor: Michael McCann Revised edition. Details harmful effects caused by art materials, and procedures that can make working with these materials safer. Publisher: Globe Pequot Press Publication Date: 2008

The Healthy Artist  Information on the dangerous materials in an artists’ studio and how to minimize the dangers. There is also a FAQ listing at the back on safety in the studio. Published in English and in French. Publisher: CARFAC Ontario Publication Date: 2007 https://www.carfacontario.ca/Publications

Making Art Safely. Alternative Methods and Materials in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Graphic Design, and Photography Author/Editor: Merle Spandorfer, Deborah Curtiss, and Jack Snyder Identifies hazardous materials and techniques that are commonly used in art. Demonstrates safe alternatives through text and step-by-step illustrations. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Publication Date: 1995

Overexposure: Health Hazards in Photography Author/Editor: Susan D. Shaw and Monona Rossol Revised edition. Covers all facets of the risks faced by photographers, lab personnel, and others involved with photographic chemicals. Includes pointers for setting up a safe workplace. Publisher: Allworth Press Publication Date: 1991

Printmaking Revolution: New Advancements in Technology, Safety, and Sustainability Author: Dwight Pogue A tome of the newest advances in printmaking for today’s environmentally conscious artists and   master printers.  Provides recommendations for safer environmentally friendly and non-carcinogenic methods for creating prints. Includes groundbreaking information on embracing green, petroleum-free, nontoxic materials that comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publication Date: 2012

Ventilation: A Practical Guide for Artists, Craftspeople, and
Others in the Arts
Authors: Nancy Clark, Thomas Cutter, and Jean-Ann McGrane .
Discusses art materials that contain toxic or harmful chemicals,
and the precautions artists should take pertaining to ventilation.
Pulisher: Lyons Press
Publication Date: 1987

WEBSITES

ORGANIZATIONS ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc.
Provides information on art and creative materials for children and artists
that are non-toxic.  All products in the program undergo extensive
toxicological evaluation and testing before they are granted the
right to bear the ACMI certification seal.
https://acmiart.org

Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety (ACTS)
A not-for-profit organization that provides information on health, safety,
and industrial hygiene to the arts, crafts, museums, and theater communities.
Also makes referrals to doctors, health serv­ices, and other resources.
Publishes the newsletter ACTS FACTS and various data sheets.
www.artscraftstheatersafety.org