Ceramic Dust Exposure

Workers who use porcelain ceramic and clay products are at risk for exposure to toxic minerals and substances.

Ceramic dust exposure.

Kilns should be vented properly. Cristobalite and tridymite are two other forms of crystalline silica. Sweep or making clay just before you leave at night allows dust to settle. Use only a niosh national institute for occupational safety and health approved masks rated for fine toxic dust.

One of the greatest risks in this industry is exposure to respirable crystalline silica or silica dust. Or in another room. Pick up the dust before it gets into the studio. Glazes can be dipped brushed poured or sprayed on the ceramic piece.

When someone inhales silica dust the particles can attach to the lining of the lungs causing scar tissue and fluid buildup. The changes which occur in the lungs vary with the different types of dust. Dust masks should be used if and when dust cannot be avoided. Ventilation is the key.

Glaze components are weighed sorted and mixed with water. Ceramic arts crafts production and lab testing can generate a lot of dust if it is not managed properly. These materials are often in fine powdered form and result in high dust exposures. Use vent system at the source.

Time exposure is what matters. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil sand granite and many other minerals. Many masks are sold in drug stores that do not qualify. Some types of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of dust are called by the general term pneumoconiosis.

Dust masks must fit well and they must be specifically designed for very fine dust. Lead compounds are highly toxic by inhalation or ingestion. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. Low level constant is the worse.

For example the injury caused by exposure to silica is marked by islands of scar tissue surrounded by normal lung tissue. This simply means dusty lung.