By Gordon J. Holtslander
Working with alternative photographic processes is a potential health hazard.
Many of the procedures and chemicals used constitute a risk to the users
health. Make sure you are aware of the potential hazards of all procedures
and chemicals prior to their use.
One of the greatest hazards for the photographer using a home darkroom is
the contamination of their living space with potentially hazardous chemicals.
If one's living space becomes contaminated long term exposure will take
place which poses a signifigant risk. It is not advisable to use your kitchen
or your bathroom as a temporary darkroom. Ideally a home darkroom should
be established in a room dedicated to that purpose. Good housekeeping and
an adequate ventilation system will insure that any potentialy hazardous
chemicals do not enter your living area.
Wear gloves whan handling all photographic chemicals. Insure that all equipment
and materials are only used in your darkroom, and never used for food preparation.
Prepare powder based chemicals in a "glove box" - a box with openings cut
in the sides for hands and a window of glass or clear plastic placed in
the top. A glove box will prevent the spread and possible contamination
of fine powders.
Ultraviolet light is used in almost all alternative photographic processes.
Ultraviolet light can cause severe sunburn and eye damage. Do not expose
bare skin to utraviolet light for long durations. Never look directly at
an ultraviolet light source.
Risks and precautions will be summarized for each process. This information
was taken from Overexposure: Health Hazards in Photography, by Susan
D. Shaw and Monona Rossol
Material Safety Data Sheets
To get information on specific substances you can access any of the following
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) services. Manufacturers are required to
make MSDS's available. They list the known hazards and what appropriate
precautions should be taken when using a particular substance.
The Enviro-net MSDS Index provides a form bases searchable database.
The University of Utah MSDS provides a gopher based menu of substances. |