Blog Archives
Q: Pastel dust can be toxic. Do you use air filters in your work space?
Barbara’s Studio
A: No, but I wear a surgical mask when I work, to prevent breathing pastel dust. Also, I use a barrier cream, called Artgard, to prevent pigment being absorbed into my skin through cuts. I take care that my head is always higher than my hand as I work, so the dust is below my mouth and nose. It’s difficult to tell from the photo but my easel is tilted forward, allowing pastel dust to fall onto the easel and floor.
I am well aware of the toxicity of pastel, especially with colors that contain cadmium, and believe I take the proper precautions. After forty years working with soft pastel, so far I’ve managed to stay healthy.
Comments are welcome.
Q: What do you do to protect yourself from toxic pastel dust?
Used surgical mask
A: Certain sticks of soft pastel contain toxic lead and cadmium so some precautions are necessary. Before I begin working, I liberally apply a barrier cream, called Artguard, to my hands and wrists so that pastel will not be absorbed through my skin via small cuts that I might have. I wear a surgical mask to avoided breathing the dust. Also, I try to work so that my hand is below my head, to lessen the likelihood of breathing particles of pastel as they fall to the floor. I ensure there is good air circulation in my studio. Once the dust has settled onto the floor, I try not to stir it up again until I dispose of it. I’ve been working with soft pastel for 27 years and have managed to stay healthy so far.
Comments are welcome!
barbararachkoscoloreddust.com 