safety of chemicals and staining clothes

[msbarnes]

OK so up until now I've pretty much tried to handle all chemicals safely, as anyone should but can someone give me a low-down on the toxity of these chemicals and let me know which stain clothes? I'm not so paranoid about the safety because I know ammonia is bad but, I use my windex without gloves.

HC-110, Rodinal, D-76
Ilford Rapid Fix
Hypoclear
Photo-Flo

I don't use stop but I'm aware that it is light acid. I believe that photo-flo is similar to diluted soap so I can probably wash my dishes with it 🙂. I'm not sure what hypo-clear is, but since it accelerates wash so I would imagine that it is somewhat safe. My thinking is that the developer and fix are the most hazardous, if this is true, then which stains clothes? or both? Sometimes, but not often I stain my clothes.

 

[rlouzan]

😀
http://www.nationalsafetyinc.com/62781/36503/Aprons/Hycar-Rubber-Aprons.html

 

[bsdunek]

Yes, an apron is a good idea. I just don't wear good clothes in the darkroom. Most B&W chemicals are pretty benign, although some of the toners are kind of strong. I wouldn't eat or drink any, but after 65 years of darkroom work, I've never had any problems. If it was your 40 hour a week job, it might affect you a little.

 

[mwoenv]

Find the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each chemical and read what chemicals they contain, potential health risks, how to safely handle them, etc. They won't address staining of clothes.

I think it is prudent to wear laboratory safety goggles and nitrile gloves (spend around $20), wear long sleeves, and provide periodic if not continuous ventilation. You never know if you'll drop something and splash it all over. Between this and just working carefully, these chemicals should not be a problem.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Find the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each chemical and read what chemicals they contain, potential health risks, how to safely handle them, etc. They won't address staining of clothes.

I think it is prudent to wear laboratory safety goggles and nitrile gloves (spend around $20), wear long sleeves, and provide periodic if not continuous ventilation. You never know if you'll drop something and splash it all over. Between this and just working carefully, these chemicals should not be a problem.

Ventilation, yes. The rest... Well, I've been doing it a long time; I know a lot of other people who have been doing it a very long time; I've discussed with people who know a lot more about it than I; and I've never met ANYONE who used laboratory safety goggles for normal photographic processing, and very few who bother with nitrile gloves.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Bill Clark]

Well, fortunately, never had any problems with photo chemicals. I'm careful with specialty chemicals like Selenium Toner and film developers like WD2D+ and PMK.

For printing I don't use gloves but maybe I should. Haven't had any trouble for 50 plus years.

Just don't take a bath in any of the stuff!

Since the end of October is near, here is an idea for a Halloween costume and maybe darkroom garb (just kidding! Maybe it would work!):

http://www.halloweencostumes.com/wh...rce=googleps&gclid=CNXolZ6xprMCFc5cMgodEQIAHQ


Smiles!

 

[Bill Clark]

I'm thinking of getting some of these. I use this firm as a source of supply.

http://www.uline.com/Cls_30/Gloves?keywords=gloves