In this article, Paul Lee from Cranfield Colours explains how to navigate Safety Data Sheets for art materials, including information on understanding the hazards indicated, knowing what to wear, storing supplies safely, and properly disposing of art materials.
Understanding Safety Data Sheets for Art Materials
by Paul Lee
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is generally intended for workplace professionals who handle, store, and transport hazardous chemicals. It’s also used by manufacturers producing their own mixtures who will use it for each ingredient to produce their own labels and SDS.
The 16 sections contain comprehensive information which detail chemical properties, potential hazards (health, physical, and environmental), handling and storage guidelines, exposure controls, first-aid measures, firefighting procedures, and more. The language used is technical and may include scientific terms, chemical nomenclature, and specific regulatory references that are not necessarily understood by the general public. Its users usually have some level of expertise or training in the handling of hazardous materials, and how to interpret the details provided, as it can be overwhelming and confusing for those who need only the essential safety information. So your first port of call should always be the product’s label.
As artists, we may vary from hobbyist to professional, and student to studio, and may well feel or need access to greater detail. In these cases, we can see the SDS as a cheat sheet for staying safe while using art materials that might have some tricky chemicals in them. Imagine it as your art materials safety manual! Ultimately it can help you:
- Understand Hazards: Identify if a material is flammable, toxic, or harmful to your health.
- Know What to Wear: Figure out if you need gloves, masks, or other protective gear.
- Store Supplies Safely: Learn the best way to store materials to prevent accidents.
- Dispose Properly: Ensure you’re not harming the environment when you’re done.
Sections of the Safety Data Sheet
Let’s take a closer look at the sections included in the safety data sheet. When reading through the SDS keep in mind that it’s intended for the workplace and may also assume far larger quantities that the average artist may be handling. To start, always check the SDS for the revision number, which is changed each time the manufacturer updates the SDS and the date of issue. Chemicals are constantly being tested and assessed for their effect on humans and the environment. Materials can change, or regulations may become more strict. Keeping the latest versions helps to ensure you remain safe.
Section 1: Identification This part tells you what the product is, who makes it, and how to contact them if you have questions or need help.
Section 2: Hazards Identification Here’s where you find out what could go wrong if you don’t use the product carefully. It lists things like if it’s flammable, toxic, or might irritate your skin or eyes. It also contains the information that should be on the label including the pictogram to illustrate the nature of the hazard. The listed hazards are usually accompanied by a preventative action e.g. Causes eye irritation, wears eye protection.
Section 3: Composition/Ingredients This section details what’s actually in the material you’re using. Sometimes art materials have things like solvents (which help things dissolve) that you might want to watch out for. Depending on where you are in the world this may include all ingredients or just the hazardous ones.
Section 4: First Aid Measures If something goes wrong, this part gives you advice on how to handle it – like if you accidentally get paint in your eye.
Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures If your art project gets a bit too heated (literally), this section tells you how to handle it safely.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures If you spill something, this part advises you on how to clean it up without turning your studio into a disaster zone. It may also advise on what to do with other people and who needs to be contacted.
Section 7: Handling and Storage These are tips on how to use and keep your art supplies safe when you’re not using them. Some materials might need special storage conditions to stay safe.
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection Here’s where it tells you what gear to wear to keep yourself safe, like gloves or a mask, especially if you’re working with something that could be harmful. Again, keep in mind that the SDS is intended for workplaces. There, the preference to remove the material or use engineered methods such as forced ventilation are intended as primary solutions and are to aid health and safety departments in devising the correct solutions to a risk assessment.
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties This is the science part – it tells you things like if your paint is liquid or solid, and if it smells or not.
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity Some materials don’t play nice with others. This part tells you what not to mix together unless you want an unexpected science experiment.
Section 11: Toxicological Information Fancy way of saying it tells you how the chemicals in your art supplies might affect your health. If information is present it’s often very detailed and uses a lot of language from the world of toxicology. Always remember that no matter what you read here, the risks considered hazardous for the material in question are stated in section 2 and on the label.
Section 12: Ecological Information If you’re worried about how your art materials might affect nature (like if you’re painting outside), this part can give you some clues, however; it too will be very sciency and use a lot of toxicological language. Like section 11, materials deemed to have a sufficient environmental impact will have warnings included in section 2 and on the label.
Section 13: Disposal Considerations Improper disposal of art materials can harm the environment. The SDS will guide you on how to dispose of solvents, paints, and other materials responsibly. For instance, you might need to take them to a hazardous waste disposal site rather than just putting them in the bin. Workplaces usually have a private waste disposal company to deal with their waste. For the public, your local authority will usually provide a house waste and recycling centre of some description.
Section 14: Transport Information For most artists sending your materials around via couriers is a rare thing, however; should you need to do so, send the courier a copy of the SDS where section 14 details the relevant information.
Section 15: Regulatory Information Sometimes there are rules in certain regulatory areas about how you can use certain materials. This part tells you what those rules are, but they may be relevant to the workplace and not the home.
Section 16: Other Information Anything else the manufacturer thinks you should know that didn’t fit into the other sections. It may contain full descriptions of abbreviations used through the SDS or what changes were made in the update.
Specific Points for Artists
The Risks of Using Solvents in Artist Paints: What You Need to Know
If you’re an artist who enjoys working with oil paints, you’re probably familiar with solvents like white spirit (AKA mineral spirit) or turpentine (turps). These solvents are incredibly useful for thinning paints, cleaning brushes, and speeding up drying times. However, they do come with certain risks. Let’s go through what you need to know about using these solvents and how you can keep yourself safe in your studio.
Understanding the Risks
Health Hazards
When you’re using low aromatic white spirit or turps, you’re handling chemicals that can be harmful if not managed properly.
- Breathing Issues: These solvents give off fumes that may be harmful when inhaled (see the label or SDS). If you’re working in a space with poor ventilation, you might start to feel dizzy, develop headaches, or experience breathing difficulties after a while. Prolonged exposure may lead to more serious health problems, like respiratory issues or damage to the nervous system.
- Skin Problems: If turps or white spirit come into contact with your skin, they can cause irritation. Some people may develop dermatitis, which can make your skin red, itchy, and flaky. In some cases, these solvents can be absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to more severe health effects.
Fire and Explosion Risks
Both white spirit and turps can be flammable, so it’s crucial to handle and store them carefully.
- Flammability: These solvents may ignite easily, especially if you’re working near an open flame or a heat source. Even a small spark from an electrical switch could cause a fire if there are enough solvent fumes in the air.
- Vapour Accumulation: In a poorly ventilated space, solvent vapours can build up and create a significant fire hazard. This is why it’s so important to ensure proper airflow in your studio.
Environmental Concerns
It’s not just your health that’s at risk—improper use and disposal of solvents can also harm the environment.
- Air Pollution: The fumes from solvents contribute to air pollution and can even play a role in the formation of smog in urban areas.
- Water Pollution: Pouring solvents down the drain or disposing of them incorrectly can lead to contamination of water sources, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems.
Tips for Reducing Risks
Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s discuss how to minimise them.
Keep the Air Flowing
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Open windows, use fans, or set up an extractor. This helps prevent solvent fumes from building up and keeps the air in your studio fresh.
- Consider a Localised Fume Extractor: If you’re working in a smaller or enclosed space, a fume extractor local to your solvent area can help remove harmful vapours from your workspace.
Protect Yourself
- Wear Gloves: Use chemical-resistant gloves, such as those made from nitrile, to protect your skin from exposure.
- Use a Respirator: If you’re working extensively with solvents, consider wearing a respirator mask designed to filter out organic vapours.
- Protect Your Eyes: Safety glasses or goggles can prevent splashes from reaching your eyes.
Handle and Store Solvents Safely
- Store Them Properly: Keep solvents in tightly sealed containers, away from heat sources. Store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, preferably in a cabinet designed for flammable materials.
- Use Small Amounts: Only pour out the amount of solvent you need for the task at hand. This reduces the chance of spills and limits your exposure.
Look for Safer Alternatives
- Low-VOC or Solvent-Free Options: Consider using paints and mediums that are lower in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or switch to water-mixable oils.
- Odourless Solvents: Odourless mineral spirits are a less toxic alternative, though you should still handle them with care.
Dispose of Solvents Responsibly
- Don’t Pour Down the Drain: Collect your used solvents in a sealed container and take them to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Many local councils offer designated drop-off points.
- Reuse When Possible: Allow used solvents to settle so the paint solids sink to the bottom. You can then pour off the clear solvent on top and reuse it.
Using solvents like white spirit and turps may be part of the creative process for many painters, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. By taking a few simple precautions you can continue to enjoy your artistic practice while keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Flash Point
The flash point is the temperature at which a material can ignite if exposed to a spark or flame. Knowing the flash points of your solvents and paints can help you avoid accidentally setting something on fire. For instance, if a solvent has a low flash point (it’s more likely to ignite), it’s extra important to keep it away from heat sources.
The Risks of Using Hazardous Pigments in Artist Paints
Artists have long been drawn to the vibrant colours and unique properties of certain pigments, many of which are made from hazardous materials.
These pigments, while beautiful, can pose serious health and environmental risks if not handled properly. Let’s explore the potential dangers of using hazardous pigments in your art and what you can do to stay safe.
Understanding the Risks
Health Hazards
Hazardous pigments (detailed in the SDS) can be toxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Here are some key concerns:
- Inhalation of Dust: When mixing paints, sanding surfaces, or cleaning up, tiny particles of hazardous pigments can become airborne. Inhaling these particles can lead to respiratory issues and, over time, more severe conditions like lung disease.
- Skin Absorption: Some pigments can be absorbed through the skin, leading to local irritation or even systemic toxicity, depending on the pigment’s composition.
- Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of pigments can occur if you eat, drink, or smoke in the studio without washing your hands. This can lead to poisoning, especially with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Environmental Hazards
Improper disposal of paints containing hazardous pigments can lead to environmental contamination:
- Water Pollution: Washing brushes or disposing of paint waste down the drain can introduce toxic metals into water systems, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.
- Soil Contamination: Disposing of hazardous materials in your household rubbish can lead to soil contamination, as these pigments do not break down easily and can remain in the environment for long periods.
Reducing Risks for Artists
While hazardous pigments can be dangerous, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risks and continue using them safely:
Ventilation and Workspace Management
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
- Keep Your Workspace Clean: Regularly clean your workspace to prevent the buildup of pigment dust. Use a wet cloth or a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid stirring up dust.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling paints and pigments, especially when mixing or sanding. This helps prevent skin contact with hazardous materials.
- Use a Respirator: A respirator with a particulate filter can protect you from inhaling dust and fumes, particularly when working with powders or sprays.
- Protective Clothing: Wear an apron or other protective clothing to keep pigments off your skin and clothes. Wash these items separately from your regular laundry.
Safe Handling Practices
- Avoid Eating and Drinking in the Studio: To prevent accidental ingestion, never eat, drink, or smoke in your workspace. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling pigments.
- Use Pre-Mixed Paints: Where possible, use pre-mixed paints rather than mixing your own from raw pigments. This reduces the risk of inhaling or coming into direct contact with hazardous materials.
Proper Storage and Disposal
- Store Pigments Safely: Keep hazardous pigments in tightly sealed containers, labelled clearly, and stored out of reach of children and pets.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Never pour waste paint or rinse water down the drain. Collect it in a container and take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility. For solid waste like rags or paper towels, check with your local council for proper disposal guidelines.
Consider Safer Alternatives
- Use Non-Toxic Pigments: Many modern pigments offer similar colours and properties without the toxicity of traditional ones. Consider switching to non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
SDS sheets might not be the most exciting part of your art practice, but they can be useful for keeping your studio safe and your health intact.
Before you dive into your next project, take a moment to check out the SDS for your materials. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your creative process, letting you focus on making art – safely.
Further Reading
What Is a Certificate of Authenticity for Artwork?
Recreating Rembrandt’s Colour Palette with Modern Pigments
The Relationship Between the Artist and Their Materials
Exploring the Impact of the Victorian Colour Revolution
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