title: Health hazards of ceramic artists.
abstract: Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazards including metals (such as lead), fibrogenic dusts (such as silica), heat, repetitive motion, radiation, and toxic emissions from kilns. The health risks of these exposures have not been well characterized among artists, although limited information is available from commercial potteries. Adverse health effects may be prevented by using less hazardous materials (such as lead-free glazes), improved ventilation, and proper work practices. Special precautions must be in place if children have access to the ceramics studio. The use of glazed ceramic dishes can be a risk for lead toxicity. Food should not be stored in glazed ceramics, and pregnant women should avoid daily use of ceramic mugs for drinking hot beverages.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dorevitch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Babin
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D000485:Allergens; D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000009:adverse effects; D001154:Art; D002273:Carcinogens; D002516:Ceramics; D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils / Q000592:standards; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010150:Paint / Q000009:adverse effects; D011482:Protective Devices; D011886:Radon / Q000009:adverse effects; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D014691:Ventilation; D017132:Workplace; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D002273:Carcinogens; D004391:Dust; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D011886:Radon