Hazards of wet plate collodion ?

While I am waiting for my books from Coffer and the Ostermans and
thinking about doing wet plate ferrotypes, two things make me nervous:
 
#1 using potassium cyanide.
 
a) I believe potassium cyanide is a restricted substance in Canada, yes?
What is involved in buying and storing potassium cyanide?
 
b) I have seen the damage done by cyanide in the gold mining country of
northern Ontario and I know a little of its history as a medium of
execution - the stuff makes me NERVOUS! It is, from what I understand
very DEADLY. How does one render potassium cyanide solutions safe for
disposal?
 
c) What kind of handling precautions are required when working with
cyanide solutions?
 
d) Is there a safer way to fix collodion images?
 
 
#2 ether
 
I understand the wet plate method uses ether. I am a bit more familiar
with ether than cyanide as I have used ether in industrial applications
but ether has two un-nice characteristics - its flammability (explosive
vapours) and its anesthetic nature.
 
a) I Would presume that ether is used only out of doors in a well
ventilated area and well removed from sources of ignition?
 
I have a lot to learn but I also have an aversion to things that can
KILL me!
 
Dianne
Received on Mon Aug 8 10:27:26 2005