All of the solvents you will be using to
complete your printing in the Design and Screen Printing course will require you to use
some potentially hazardous chemicals. These may include, but not be limited to, Mineral
Spirits (Paint Thinner), Rubber Cement and Rubber Cement Thinner.
These chemicals can be poisonous and potentially fatal if swallowed. They are also
what we refer to as "carcinogens". Carcinogens are cancer causing agents. Some
of the chemicals are classified as "mutagens". Mutagens cause changes in DNA
resulting in the possibility of cell mutation, which can result in birth defects. It is
for this reason that we fully disclose this information to you. If you are a pregnant
female, you MUST remove yourself from this program or risk serious harm to the fetus.
When handled properly, these chemicals will not be harmful
to you, and you can handle them over a lifetime with NO ILL EFFECTS. In order to safely
handle them, you should know that there are several ways that exposure takes place:
• INGESTION
• ABSORPTION
• INHALATION
INGESTION
Ingestion is the swallowing of chemicals into the digestive system. This sounds
ludicrous because the average person would never think of ingesting potentially harmful
solvents. However, you may have residue on your hands when smoking and eating. The
material is passed to your lips, which you lick and then swallow. Over a period of years,
an individual may ingest enough of the material to begin to experience health problems
such as organ damage and failure. Cancer is also a possibility.
Solution - Use protective gloves and wash hands EVEN AFTER WEARING GLOVES! This
will clean all traces of the chemicals from your hands and stop the ingestion of these
materials.
ABSORPTION
Absorption is the absorbing of chemicals through your skin. You may get residue
on your hands when handling chemicals. The material is passed into your body. Over a
period of years, an individual may absorb enough of the material to begin to experience
health problems such as organ damage and failure. Cancer is also a possibility.
Solution - Use protective gloves and wash hands EVEN AFTER WEARING GLOVES! This
will clean all traces of the chemicals from your hands and stop the absorption of these
materials.
INHALATION
Inhalation is the breathing of chemical particles or vapors. The absorption of
chemicals then takes place through your lungs. The material is passed into your
body. Over a period of years, an individual may absorb enough of the material to
begin to experience health problems such as organ damage and failure. Cancer is also a
possibility.
Solution - Be certain to provide yourself and others with fresh air through
open doors or windows. The use of commercially available air filtration devices is also a
possibility. They must contain activated charcoal filters. In extreme situations, you may
want to wear a filtration mask with carbon filters. Ask your employer to provide you with
one if there are no other fresh air sources available.
The Right to Know Law gives you specific rights as an employee. It is a state and federal law that guarantees you the right to information on any hazardous materials or chemicals that you are asked to handle at work. The employer or company is required to maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on all chemicals in the workplace. This contains information on hazards and safety precautions for all the chemicals you handle. It also lists symptoms that may be experienced through excessive exposure to the chemical. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK ABOUT THIS INFORMATION. YOU ARE PROTECTED BY THE LAW. If you feel that your employer is not complying with the law, then you have the right to turn him for prosecution. You may lose your job, but you could sue if you do. Think of the others you could be protecting in the future.
When you have completed reading this material, click on the hyperlink text to proceed to the "Exacto and Razor Safety" page. Please understand that you will be tested on this material before you can work on anything else in this course. You can review the material as many times as you like before taking the test.