How safe is your shop?
By Mal McMurdo
Calgary Lapidary Journal 11/92 via T-Town Rockhound 1/99
Edited by the Breccia

How often do you think of the air quality and the safety in your lapidary shop?

We are safety conscious when climbing a ladder, lighting a fire, using volatile fluids, or driving. Are we as safety minded in our shops? Have you stopped to think about all the fumes and gases that come from the chemicals and materials we work with?

Many aspects of our hobby have some inherent danger in the dust or fumes that develop with their use. The following list identifies many known substances that have toxic characteristics. This list, while not complete, identifies a large number of potential problems. When using any item listed, make sure you use power ventilation -- a bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan generally works well for this. Remember, you need a fresh air intake supply for these fans to work well.

Here is the list:

Acetone: an industrial type solvent containing harmful vapors
Acetylene: an asphyxiant
Ammonia: irritant to eyes, lungs, and skin
Asbestos: loose fibers can cause asbestosis when inhaled
Benzene: (gas, naphtha, etc) vapor may affect the respiratory and nervous systems
Butane: has an anesthetic like effect causing headache and drowsiness
Carbon tetrachloride: toxic and an irritant
Chlorine: restricts the air in passages of the lungs
Hydrogen sulfide: by-product of liver of sulfur and water. Deadly poison!
Lead: known to enter the body from dust, fumes, and water. It can damage the brain and neuromuscular system
Manganese: in dust or vapors, it can damage the nervous system
Quartz, agate, sandstone, granite, chert, flint: all are of the silica rock family. The dust from this family contributes to silicosis of the lungs
Propane: highly flammable and toxic
Sparex: is a diluted acid and should be handled accordingly
Gold plating solutions: those with a cyanide base form deadly hydrogen cyanide gas if mixed with another acid. Use plating solutions that are cyanide free
Styrofoam: when heated or burned, releases toxic gases
Abalone: grind and polish only when wet. Be aware that any odor detected is highly toxic
Malachite: work wet as the dust created when working dry is toxic

While it is not healthy to fear everything, one should be aware of hidden dangers in apparently innocent looking materials that we all use extensively in our hobby. If you are using a material that is new to you, read the labels and heed any warning. We want all lapidaries to remain a healthy lot and continue to live long, active lives.

Breccia
July 1999
Santa Clara Valley Gem and Mineral Society
San Jose, California