MATerIALS: routes of entry You can absorb materials into your body by inhaling them, swallowing them or absorbing

them through the skin or the eyes. Inhalation is the most common way of poisoning oneself since materials can be in the form of dusts or powders, sprays and mists, and/or vapours and gases. Since we are all being affected by thousands of chemicals in our environment 24/7, it makes sense to try to minimize this where we can. Pigments Materials Processes Personal Protective equipment Worksite risk Management, and the Importance of Information Legal responsibilities of Supervisors Pigments are what gives paint, markers, sprays, etc. their colour. They can be harmless, or really toxic. Toxic pigments include the heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese and mercury. Pigments occur in all kinds of paint: watercolour, acrylic, latex, oils, etc. Some European and perhaps Asian aerosols are rumoured to contain lead paint, which of course you can inhale. This writer has been to date unable to verify this, and Material Safety Data Sheets do not normally include ingredients in very small quantities, so it would be wise to wear proper personal protective equipment when spraying. organic Solvents Solvents (also known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs) can range from relatively safe (e.g., isopropanol, a.k.a. isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol) to very

toxic such as toluene (a.k.a. toluol) or xylene (a.k.a xylol). All cause eye and mucous membrane irritation and liver damage if one is over-exposed. Alcohol should not be drunk several hours before or after being heavily exposed to these solvents since this puts excessive strain on the liver. They all also cause narcosis: feelings of dizziness, irritability, headaches, fatigue and/or nausea. Not good when you are high on a ladder or other precarious perch. Flammability There is another and lesser known problem with VOCs, because they are all flammable and most of them are heavier than air. This means both that a large concentration in the air can be ignited by a cigarette (as in, spraying while smoking), pilot light or other source of ignition, and also that in a space with poor ventilation the flammable vapours will sit at floor level and may gradually build up until they meet an ignition source. There is another fire hazard which most people dont know about. Linseed oil (also tung oil, and Danish Teak Oil) can spontaneously combust. If you bundle up a rag or paper towel contaminated with one of these, it can catch fire within about half an hour without any contact with flame. The safest way to dispose of linseed oil-soaked rags is to throw them into an empty paint can, half fill it with water, put the lid on tightly and toss it in the garbage.

Sensitizers There are a couple of materials you may come across which are termed Sensitizers that is, they cause allergies to themselves after prolonged exposure. The most common is turpentine. Do not use turpentine to thin your paints, because you will eventually develop skin rashes and respiratory problems. Mineral spirits as a general solvent is usually just as good and a lot safer for various reasons. The second problem sensitizer for graffiti artists is isocyanate. Read your labels carefully, and if your outdoor paint (and particularly spray cans) contain either isocyanate or di-isocyanate, you have a problem. If you breathe isocyanates, even in very small quantities, they can permanently damage the lungs. Preferably, do not use at all. If you really feel that you have to use them, do so with very good ventilation, and wearing a properly-fitted chemical full face mask or at least a half mask with chemical goggles. This wont fully protect you, but will be better than no protection at all. Ideally you would use a powered full face respirator, but since these usually cost more than $1,000 this is unlikely. Storage of Paints and Solvents Paints and solvents should be stored safely with tightly-capped lids. Never leave solvent containers open because they will evaporate and may quickly become a fire hazard.

Aerosols can usually be turned upside down and given a quick burst to clear the nozzle. Labelling All materials, both in use and in storage, should be properly labeled. This applies particularly if you are using food or drink containers for storage. Many people have been poisoned by drinking something they thought was a soft drink and you never know who will drop by and make assumptions about that half-finished bottle of cola. Strip off the original label and attach a new one, indicating clearly what is in the container. Never use clear solvents in water bottles without relabelling properly it is simply too easy to make a mistake. Disposal of Unwanted Materials Please dont add to the landfill, particularly if the materials are toxic and flammable. And that includes empty aerosols because they are never actually empty but still contain flammable vapours which can explode or catch fire. Toronto has a free Household Hazardous Waste Program with several depots around the city to which you can take your unwanted chemicals and empty cans. Check the www.Toronto.ca website for details (search for Household Hazardous Waste and follow the links to the Solid Waste Drop-off Depot Chart for addresses and times). When you take your materials ensure that a) they are all properly labeled as to contents, and b) the lids are tightly fitted. Many other cities have either similar fulltime programs or an annual Amnesty for Hazardous Waste during which they will collect it for free. If you really cant find one, take it to your local fire hall. They may not be pleased to see you, but if you are being a good citizen and turning the stuff in they can hardly turn you away. Just dont dump it that isnt fair to anyone. ProCeSSeS: Paint Sprays and Aerosols Graffiti artists often use aerosols so this section is particularly important. Sprays and aerosols produce a fine mist of droplets, typically consisting of pigments, solvents, and often some other very nasty chemicals. They are

Health & Safety for Graffiti Artists

Ted Rickard

Page 400 | Toronto Graffiti

Ted Rickard | Health Matters

Health Matters | Ted Rickard

Toronto Graffiti | Page 401