About the Book:

The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide shows artists how to handle materials safely while practicing their craft. If you are a painter, sculptor, printmaker, potter, welder, papermaker, photographer, or teacher in the arts, staying healthy and safe in your work place should not be a matter of circumstance. Through dozens of handy tables, diagrams, and charts, this essential book by industrial hygienist Monona Rossol points out dangerous ingredients found in specific brands of paint, dye, and adhesives; simple supplies such as goggles and ladders that keep classrooms and studios safe; and steps that art educators can take to comply with applicable safety and health regulations.

This volume also details helpful and potentially life-saving subjects such as:
• Questions to ask when ordering art supplies
• Recommendations for proper ventilation
• Safe work practices
• Precautions for individual media
• Art materials and projects for children and other high risk individuals

Not only artists, but those who work in school administration, health care, and risk analysis will benefit from the surprising facts revealed. For example, art and craft supplies labeled as biodegradable, water-based, and natural must be handled with utmost caution, because they can still contain highly toxic properties.

What people say:

"Most artists are at least vaguely aware of the dangers their profession poses, and several high-profile lawsuits have led to complex regulations regarding the handling of art materials. These concerns are ably addressed by Rossol's manual, a standard in the field. ...Her use of the word 'complete' in the title is not misplaced; other books in the field ... don't come close. Four exhaustive sections cover regulations and specific hazards, artists' raw materials, precautions for individual media, and reproductive risks to artists. Fully equipped with appendixes on sources, governmental agencies, and an annotated reference list, this vitally important volume is essential for any art collection." — Library Journal

"This book should be on the desk of all art teachers who venture beyond paper and pencil as expressive art media. The cost of this book is easy on the pocketbook, and the information provided should ease the mind." — School Arts

"…if you have the first edition you may be tempted to forgo buying this one. However, safe practice is a moving target… what might have been considered safe a few years ago may not be considered so now, and there may be better alternatives. …a modest investment to keep up-to-date." — Theatre Crafts International

"Industrial hygienist Monona Rossol intends to inform artists who work daily with hazardous materials of the effects of various commonly used chemicals and toxins on themselves and the environment." — American Theatre

About the Author:

Monona Rossol is a chemist, artist, and industrial hygienist. For more than 30 years she has specialized in investigating visual and performing arts hazards. A highly regarded and sought-after consultant and trainer, and lecturer, she has consulted with and/or inspected hundreds of show business venues, including professional and community theatres, TV and film locations, studios, scene and prop shops, and university theatre departments.