... Please share data on the danger of dry ink colorants.
Ludwik Kowalski
A quick broadside search of net resources trawled the following catches:
1) A student survey/report on conditions at Santa Clara U.
2) An extract from Art Hazard News which seems to have been reporting
for a period of twenty years or more. The URL given below provides a
topic index, and yearly volumes, of which two items were extracted from
Vol 21 sec 1 page 7 (dated 1998)
This is presented in a question/answer format.
My reading of these two items suggests that inhalation of volatiles
has been the usual safety-based preoccupation.
It appears that schools can obtain material safety data on markers
from the manufacturer.
It appears that some markers are individually marked as safe.
If this is confirmed, it would be wiser to require such marking on
markers for use by students.
It appears that dyes and/or pigments used in particular markers are
not likely to have readily accessible safety data.
Brian Whatcott
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(Student Project Santa Clara U.)
The Facts About Dry-Erase Markers: Section discusses the use of dry-erase
markers on whiteboards in classrooms. Potential problems arise from the use
of both the markers and the cleaning solvents used on the white boards. The
markers contain methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl acetate, and various
pigments and dyes, although relative amounts of these compounds and safety
information on
dyes were not available. The whiteboard cleaner includes water,
isopropanol, and 2-butoxyethanol; it is flammable and an eye and skin
irritant and use must occur in well-ventilated areas. Use of the cleaner at
SCU was found to be unsafe (p. 27) because of improper protection and
ventilation. The California code of regulation is also discussed as well as
the results of an experiment to determine exposure at Santa Clara. The data
indicated that the markers release "very little fumes compared to that of
pure acetone" and that continuous use is below "standard exposure levels."
The only safer alternative suggested is a return to chalkboards.
--------------------------------------
From Arts Hazard News
I would like to inquire about where to find sources of non toxic dyes,
markers, pens etc. which I am using to draw onto celluloid (35mm film). In
particular need to find the above items which do not have Coal Tar in them.
Dyes today are not made from coal tar; they are made from petroleum
derivatives. However, some dyes can be hazardous. There is just no way to
tell what dyes are in a particular marker. I presume you have to use
solvent-based markers to draw on the film. Alcohol-based markers are less
hazardous than xylene-based markers since xylene is more toxic and is
absorbed through the
skin. It might also carry the dyes with it. The best practice is to try
and avoid skin contact with the marker dyes. You should also have exhaust
ventilation, for example, working in front of a window with an exhaust fan
at work level.
Marker Hazards and Children
Recently, I went to pick up my daughter from her second grade
classroom, and found the whole room smelling of solvents. The teacher had
them working with solvent-based markers. My daughter said that they work
with these markers quite often, and there is no open windows or ventilation
in the classroom. What should I say to the teacher. - New Jersey Mother
(Permanent, solvent-based markers are not appropriate for primary school
childrens' use. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) will list the
solvents in the hazardous ingredients section. This should be available in
the classroom, or the school safety or supply office. If the teacher
doesn't have the MSDS handy, it can be obtained from the manufacturer.
While alcohol-based
markers are better than ones with xylene, solvent-based markers are not
recommended for children. Children should use water- based markers that
are labeled nontoxic, in accordance with ASTM D4236 on the marker itself.
If the marker is not water-based, this means it has solvents and should not
be used. If children need to draw lines that will stay on paper that is
to be wet,
then they can experiment with oil sticks and markers combined. Similarly,
whiteboard markers should be avoided, these too contain solvents. -Ed.)