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Re: to squabble or not..


On Mon, 9 Apr 2001, Herbert C Maxey wrote:

> ... It is simple: keep a vacuously clean
> work area,

Actually, I keep a vacuously clean brain area... which lets me "allow
children to handle these chemicals."  In fact we're filling the sandbox
with dichromate.  PLEASE...

However, let me revisit a warning I myself have stressed with dichromates
-- they are EXTREMELY allergenic to skin. The risk of reactions, lesions,
etc., is -- judging by the record -- more serious than *breathing* the
dust. Not that breathing the dust is OK, obviously not, but the crystals
are heavy, not fluffy, so even if you mix without a mask, it's done in a
moment, and in solution..... after which you do make sure any drips are
wiped, so they don't crystalize & float about the room...

However, the tendency to put the hands in the wash water is EVER present,
and to be resisted, especially in a culture where photographers STILL put
their hands in "the chemistry."

PS. I had a class here last month, and trying to set good example, put a
sheet of clean newsprint under the scale. A very neat careful young lady
did the measuring and all looked fine. But the next day I noticed about 3
or 4 dichromate crystals on the clean paper. Easy then to fold up and
dispose of, but without that undersheet surely not seen.

best,

Judy



make sure you do not allow children to handle these chemicals,
> understand any antidote requirements, keep airborne dust at a very
> minimum, do not dump the crap down a drain - dispose of in a recommended
> manner. Keep poison control phone numbers handy, wear gloves, apron and
> eye protection, learn all potential reactants, and do not experiment
> without knowing what you are doing.
>
> I read how to use the chemicals on this list, but I never salvageable
> information about their dangers. I suspect some of you do not care either
> way, and most likely dump the stuff down the drain.
>
> Am I so bad that these precautions are to be discarded as you would
> warnings about the pending alien invasion?
>
> I am all in favor of experimenting with alt techniques, and my aim was to
> point out something that is lacking - a mention from time to time about
> how potentially hazardous the materials can be.
>
> I am saddened that my warnings are put down and ridiculed and laughed at.
>