Exploring Hazards in an Art School

Background: Artists may encounter occupational and environmental hazards that are often not recognized due to the non-industrial location. Therefore, severe health outcomes result from exposures to dusts, toxic metals, volatilizing solvents and noise. Purpose: Perform a comprehensive health assessment of potential chemical and physical hazards associated with adult and children's art classes at a busy art school. Methods: Multi-disciplinary assessments were conducted, which included classroom observation, focus group interviews, and sampling for silica, noise, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Airborne Silica sampling: A 10-mm nylon cyclone and 5µm PVC membrane filter were used for personal sampling. Filters were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Noise sampling: A Larson Davis measured real-time noise levels from pneumatic tools. CO/CO2 sampling: A Q-TRAK analyzer was utilized during peak kiln firing. Results: Site surveys revealed issues with ventilation, waste disposal, and poor housekeeping. Respirable dust was quantified at 0.40mg/m3; percent quartz respirable was less than 6.2%. Noise measurements from one grinder peaked at 96dB. Levels of CO₂ and CO were low at 1430ppm and 0.0ppm, respectively. Discussion: Worker(s) generated respirable dust 1/3 of the permissible exposure limit. However, these results are based on one sample. More sampling to determine true generation of silica and time-weighted average sound levels will facilitate determination of appropriate industrial hygiene controls. Additional sampling will be conducted for toxic metals in the kiln area. Additional efforts continue to focus on improving ventilation and work practices to reduce exposures.