The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide

Book excerpt: In its third edition, The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide speaks to today's artists in the clearest terms possible. Through dozens of handy tables, diagrams, and charts, this volume points out dangerous ingredients found in specific brands of paint, dye, and adhesives; simple supplies such as goggles and ladders that keep classrooms and studios safe; and steps that art educators can take to comply with OSHA regulations. This volume also details helpful and potentially life-saving subjects such as: Questions to ask when ordering art supplies Recommendations for proper ventilation Safe work practices Precautions for individual media Art materials and projects for children and other high risk individuals Not only artists, but those who work in school administration, health care, and risk analysis will benefit from the surprising facts revealed. For example, art and craft supplies labeled as biodegradable, water-based, and natural must be handled with utmost caution, because they can still contain highly toxic properties. With the information contained in The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide, artists can at last be free from fear and confusion to return to creativity in the safest, healthiest environment possible.