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Comments on "exposing ourselves to art".

1997; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Volume: 105; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1289/ehp.105-1470117

1552-9924

A. L. Weiss, Rudolph J. Jaeger,

Air Quality and Health Impacts

We believe that it is important for creative individuals to be encouraged in their expression.The driving force behind an artists' quest for new and innovative means to express his or her creativity should not be unnecessarily impeded.On the other hand, a proper understanding of the materials and their hazards when used in the creation of art is necessary.Since the proper expression of likely risks is vitally important, we are concerned that individual examples may have been presented in a manner that makes them appear sensational or of concern beyond the risks expected.In particular, we believe that formula review and supervision by a toxicologist is a sound means to pre- vent harm to the public.Such supervision and review should be more widely practiced for a greater variety of materials.The toxic effects exhibited by improper or excessive exposure to art materials are as varied as the materials themselves.As toxi- cologists responsible for art materials label- ing under the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA), we know that cer- tain toxic chemicals cause acute effects (immediate reaction after one exposure).These are easy to spot, and warnings about acute hazards are defined by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA), among others.Other effects, more subtle or less timely, can be delayed, and these chronic reactions that occur after multiple periods of use constitute the area of chronic health concern mandated by LHAMA.Perhaps justifiably, the author cites Monona Rossol and Michael McCann in their expressions of concern for the chronic hazards in the artistic community.Both are known in the art hazard field and have been vocal advocates of art safety for many years.As practicing toxicologists, we under- stand that some effects are reversible, while others may not be unless caught in time.Some materials provide intrinsic warnings,