As an artist it’s wonderful to imagine the treasure trove of art materials to choose from to create your art.
Before selecting your supplies, have you ever stopped to consider how toxic the materials are? What about the possibility that they may lead to any number of serious illnesses?
Have you ever wondered, are your art materials making you sick? This article sheds light on the subject, cites some dangerous chemicals you should avoid, and offers steps you can take to avoid harming yourself.
Unfortunately, for artists in the past, their studios were not as safe as they are today. We know that Rubens, Renoir and Dufy suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Paul Klee was plagued by scleroderma. Both of these illnesses are linked to the toxic heavy metals, like cadmiums, found in the paints they used to enhance the brightness of their colors.
Today, artists are more educated about the materials they use and there is much more information readily available on the subject of safety. We can rely on several studies, books, as well as laws enforced upon art material manufacturers. However, we would be naive to believe the problem has completely disappeared.
What About Lead?
Artists are often unaware that the materials they use contain toxic ingredients, including those that are not permitted in other types of consumer products. For instance, lead has been banned from wall paint but is still used in artist paints and inks. Lead paint is banned in certain countries, however, and is in debate as to whether it should be removed entirely from artist materials.
Higher Risks for Chronic Illnesses Among Artists
Did you know, in 1980’s, The National Cancer Institute conducted two studies and studied the deaths of 1,598 artists and found that among many other chronic illnesses, they found higher risks for urinary bladder cancer, leukemia, and arteriosclerotic heart disease among painters?
Even less severe and often neglected symptoms such as chronic depression, frequent colds or flu-like symptoms, low back pain, and headaches may signal low-level poisoning due to artists materials.
Dangers of Inhaling Toxic Fumes
Just a few related causes of toxicity are from use of plastic resins in cast resin sculpture; such solvents as hexane, benzene, and toluene in graphic arts materials; metal fumes from welding; and heavy metals and carcinogens, which are inhaled during airbrushing of watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints.
Many artists advise, wear a mask, especially when you air brush.
Read ASTM Labeling
Most hazardous materials in the art and craft industry have federal regulations on the labeling, requiring the material to undergo testing for hazardous ingredients and to be labeled as such.
All fine art materials are required by law to conform to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-4236 which is a labeling standard confirming if the product is at all hazardous.
Those warnings are on the label as well. In addition, many companies conform to ACMI labeling carrying information about whether they are non-toxic or cautionary.
If used properly and disposed of properly, heavy metals and toxic ingredients can be managed well in the artist studio.
Important update
Read complete comment below from Lisa Johnson on 7/28 about a paint kit that her husband used and her son was exposed to. In it she wote, “My 14 year old son died was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 1 year later (2018), and died in 2019. I’ve started a petition for better labeling on art products on change.org/StopBenzene-PreventLeukemia
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself – 10 Steps
1. Read labels before you make a purchase.
2. Buy art materials manufactured by companies that use safe standards.
3. Avoid the use of hazardous toxic materials.
4. Use ventilation.
5. Do not eat and drink around art supplies that emit fumes.
6. Encourage art material manufacturers to cease selling toxic materials.
7. Boycott manufacturers that knowingly sell toxic materials.
8. Use safety equipment, including respirators, gloves and goggles.
9. Read MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) on products that might be unfamiliar to you. Most companies will supply these on their websites or they provide customer service telephone numbers.
10. Substitute the toxic materials you use and “go green” as much as possible. Consider the dangerous effects these materials have on the environment.
11. Use a product called “Invisible Glove” before working. It forms an invisible shield around hands and fingernails. After painting, staining, printing, or any dirty, greasy job, wash it off with soap and water.
Important Update
If you are an encaustic artist I recommend the book “The Art of Encaustic Painting” by artist Joanne Mattera. Read her informative comment below. In it she wrote, “I have worked with encaustic paint for 35 years. Fumes from moltern wax can irritate the respiratory system, but because of good information from encaustic paint manufacturers, such as R&F Handmade Paints, and from my own book, “The Art of Encaustic Painting,” most artists working with this medium have no problems. What we do is ventilate….”
Please Help Other Artists by Sharing The Link to This Article on Social Media
Here is the link: https://renee-phillips.com/could-your-art-materials-be-making-you-sick/
My husband has painted art with acrylic and oils all his life from teenager up to one month before his death 2018 at age 62. We reside Mallorca Spain. His studio was in our home — high ceilings and French doors open most of the time yet often there were constant strong paint smells. He worked on his art minimum 4 to 6 hours every day over 50 years. Suddenly he became ill. He never had illness other than common cold. His illness was diagnosed as 4th grade upper urinary tract cancer which I understand can affect artists due to toxins in paints? How sad to think ones love passion of art and to paint may have caused his loss of life earlier rather than later who knows? The art world lost a talented artist well known on the island for his realism works that were exhibited worldwide. Addressment is essential to products showing warning regards all or any toxic possibilities.
Dear Jennifer, I’m so very sorry about the devastating loss of your husband most possibly due to toxic artist’s paint. Perhaps there is some comfort for you knowing that your comment may help at least one artist who needs to be more cautious when selecting their art supplies.
Dear renee
Thank you for your kind words greatly appreciated.
My aim was to reach out raise awareness to others to take care to ensure one is fit healthy whilst enjoying their passion for art.
It never crossed my mind it may o may not have been consequences of possible toxic paints that caused urinary cancer until i noticed your info on google yesterday i was astonished shocked. Deep down i do feel this may be the case.
To think he was still trying frantically to finish two paintings even with suffering and pain no words to express.
All artists worldwide continue giving joy to all through your works please ensure you stay healthy in doing so..
Warmest wishes
Jennifer
Pollensa
Mallorca
Know your paints and mediums. There are safe ways to paint. First, you can’t go wrong with good ventilation; removing fumes from your breathing space. Acrylics are off-gassing ammonia and formaldehyde. Solvents release dangerous fumes; there are so-called safe mediums that have solvents in them; no odor doesn’t mean safe. Some pigments contain harmful metals. Here is a site to help you select safer pigments: Artiscreation.com. Also know that various paints like alkyds, and fun metallic colors contain solvents. And beware of using encaustic wax. In my practice, I use oil paints with non-toxic pigments and linseed or walnut oil. I use the above website to check my pigments. I won’t use brands that do not list their ingredients or pigment numbers. I won’t use cheaper brands that have added binders and ingredients that may be toxic. And I don’t use solvents, I clean my brushes with my oil medium, soap and water.
I have worked with encaustic paint for 35 years. Fumes from moltern wax can irritate the respiratory system, but because of good information from encaustic paint manufacturers, such as R&F Handmade Paints, and from my own book, “The Art of Encaustic Painting,” most artists working with this medium have no problems. What we do is ventilate. If a fume or vapor does not pass your nose–in other words, if you do not breathe it in while you are workng–you will not have a respiratory or neurological problem. This is true whether you work in encaustic or oil or acrylic. Ventilation means having at the very least a box fan in a window set to suck fumes away from you and out of the studio. Ideally, you’ll have a hood that vents through a duct to the outside. One good item is Vent-a-Fume, which can be set up in a number of ways. But the key is setting up any ventilation so that the fumes do not pass by your nose. ( I ventilate when I work with acrylic, too. ) Hope this helps.
Thank you very much Joanne for your valuable comment and your dedication to protecting the health other encaustic artists. I have added your magnificent book “The Art of Encaustic Painting” to our recommended section of this article.
I bought a ‘hobby paint kit’ from a well-known local craft store for my husband for Christmas. The ‘hobby paint kit’ was from a well-known TV artist/show. Supposedly non-toxic oil paints; purchased odorless mineral spirits/thinner from same store. He used this kit for 4 months in early 2017 in our small home. He opened a window/s and took the used paper towels out after painting. My son was with him for 2 of the 13 times he painted. The paintings stayed in the house for the same 4 months in an unused room (we could smell the linseed/safflower & thought nothing of it). He did not use solvent to thin paint and he did not use medium other than the special white base paint. He only used solvents to keep brushes in, wipe them off, etc. He kept the solvent outside and threw trash out immediately.
As it turns out the base white paint has hydrocarbon solvent in it (even if listed as AP non-toxic). We thought it was just white pigment & oil mix.
My 14 year old son died was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 1 year later (2018), and died in 2019. I’ve started a petition for better labeling on art products on change.org
Ironically, one of the petition signers also had AML – and had used the same hobby paint kit!
Please don’t take chances! As a mom and caregiver – AML is a HORRID disease. It’s not worth it!!
http://www.change.org/StopBenzene-PreventLeukemia
Dear Lisa, Your loss is devastating. No words can describe how sorry I am. Please accept my condolences. Thank you for taking time to share your experience and for using what is a tragedy to take action and help others. In addition to posting your comment, I have added an excerpt from it and link to your page on change.org within the article. I hope you find some comfort in knowing your actions will bring positive change and help save lives. Best wishes, Renee
Do you know if or how much Benzene was contained within these paints? While benzene is a hydrocarbon, it is only one of thousands. Meanwhile, Gasoline in the United States is likely to contain 0.5%–2.0% benzene by volume. Any exposure possible there?
After years of painting with acrylics I began to paint plein air with oils on location and in my studio. I was often plagued with headaches and nausea Which only became worse with time. It was my paints, and orderless thinner, which by the way, is even more dangerous because you can’t smell the toxic fumes. I have since cleaned up my act in the studio. I don’t use cadmium paints and I don’t use mediums. I put my wet paintings in a closed off room to dry (oils will also off-gas as they dry). The brushes, used painting rags and trash are removed after every painting session. I purchased a really good room air purifier that works very well, and I open windows. Painting plein air makes it all little easier, but still with precautions. I will never stop painting.
My health has completely improved since all of the changes.
Thank you Renee and others who are making artists aware and urging us to take a closer look at our art making materials.
Dear Renee,
11/12 11:40pm
Hope you can help!
I’ve been acrylic painting for 4 months, using acrylic paints, floeterol and water based polyurethane. I have muscle aches in my legs and backside, always fatigued, low energy, problems walking, and red lips, while not wearing lipstick. Has anyone experienced these symptoms? I will see my doctor next week.
Thank you for your help!
Barb
Barb, I’m sorry you are experiencing so many health issues. It’s good that you are seeing your doctor to find out the cause. I’ve posted your comment here in case a medical /health expert sees it and can offer you information and in case other artists are experiencing the same symptoms as you are. I hope your health improves. Needless to say, I suggest you avoid using chemical-based art supplies. Wishing you the best of health, Renee
Thanks so much Renee…Barb
Barb
I am searching for why i am feeling so fatigued. I also have been painting almost everyday for 4 to 5 months using acrylics
I have a dry throat and stinging eyes but i thought it was the end if the flu.
But in the last couple of weeks I am so exhausted
I have a referral from my doctor fo r a blood test
But my painting room is small and not really well ventilated
Poisons information line was not helpful, and the only thing that i have identified with is your post here
I hope you have recovered now, and i hope i have found the answer as i am feeling quite unwell at the moment.
Best wishes
Ang
I started painting with oil paints and lindseed oil 2 years ago. I started suffering attacks, rapid heart beat, chest pains, cough, and shortness of breath. My doctors thought I was having panic attacks but they noticed that I was having respitory illnesses. I just realized it was the paints. I was just painting and all of those symptoms began. I called my doctor. I have already been hospitalized for these issues and I was afraid it was time to go back into the hospital. She told me to go away from the paints for a moment and get fresh air, and I got better very quickly. She advised me to throw out my paints. I wonder how much damage I have caused. I make a living as a painter, so I’m concerned about both my health and finances.
Hi Natalie
Your comment caught my attention as I also suffer similar symptoms when I am exposed to oil based enamel paint. After a bit of research on my own symptoms, I concluded that I may possibly have an allergy to certain chemicals and it affects my airways when I am exposed to these substances. My heart rate also increases dramatically. I understand that chemical exposure can cause bronchitis.
I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice but perhaps it is worthwhile talking to your doctor and ask him if this could be the reasons for your symptoms. All the best Iona
My friend is a prolific artist and has an art gallery and working studio. I’ve been visiting her a lot but the past several weeks I’ve been getting headaches after I’m in there for a few minutes. She is upset with me and insists that the smells are not a problem but it smells strongly in there and I’m forced to spend less and less time visiting. The headaches go away after I leave but sometimes it takes a few hours.
Amelia, that’s a shame. Perhaps you could share this article with your friend. I hope the situation improves.
You gotta take the risk if you want to make pretty pictures…that’s just my take..I already have most of these symptoms so what’s the point of stopping…my paints contain lead, cadmium,barium,chromium, cyanide, mercury, arsenic, cobalt to name a few. I’ll paint till I die!
I live in a small apartment and air-conditioned environment. I have had heart disease for about thirty years. I’m wondering what is considered “well-ventilated” — I will probably not use my cadmium paints or the one that starts with pthalo (sp?).. I don’t plan to varnish, the paint inside. Maybe I should get a lot of plants. I have an air purifier and a ficus at the moment and that’s all. I’m really disappointed because I found this just as I’m getting ready to start. And opening all the windows is not an option in a Texan summer. Any thoughts on the subject?
Thank you for the great article, I agree on going green too, I recently bought a brush holder that is made of wood to minimize on the amount of plastic for alot of the art supplys/tools I use.
I’ve been actually looking for a more durable brush holder. The plastic ones sometimes break in my art bag.
Hi KBrown! I just saw your comment. https://nuuuk.com/ is where I picked up the brush holder from. It is made of wood which is more durable than plastic, and less heavy than porcelain. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Hello.
I’ve recently discovered very high levels of lead in my system. I have been using acrylic paint, resin (supposedly nontoxic) and alcohol inks for almost one year now. I wonder if anyone has a similar experience with the same materials. I confess that I do not ventilate my space well and do not use a respirator.
Thank you,
I was horrified recently to learn that both water-based and solvent-based acrylic paints are unsafe for lupus and scleroderma patients. I do so wish that doctors would have handouts that cover materials toxic to autoimmune patients. I guess until then everyone will just have to keep looking up every single ingredient. Oh dear! Thank you for a great article.
I’ve been careless about using toxic cadmiums over the years and don’t ventilate my space well. My
choices of solvents have varied from turps through paint thinner although now I use an odorless thinner. I wonder how much exposure is too much? Certain of us are bound to be more vulnerable than others; I grew
up swimming in a river that’s bed contained heavy metals from the Dupont factory upstream. Since the mid
80s I’ve had autoimmune diseases, cancer, arthritis, cutaneous lupus and neuropathy. Thanks for the reminder to study up on the dangers of art making!
Dear Jane, Check out some air purifiers. Don’t give up making healthy improvements to your environment and choices of art materials. We can never be too careful. For instance, I recently read, that even if something is “odorless” it still may be emitting toxic fumes. Wishing you the best of health, Renee
Thank you for addressing a serious issue for the artist. I have Scleroderma an Auto Immune disease that Paul Klee’s is thought to have had due to toxic exposure. I enjoy the creative passion of art in many forms and believe we must transition into a safe way to express the beauty we dream. The failure to know how to paint with non-toxic products can mean the early death or handicap of the artist. Having Scleroderma is not worth the risk for the artist, please continue to educate! The choice of safety in painting, resin and all forms of work is the cost of your health and possibly someone around you as well.
Hi. Lynn. I found your comment interesting. I’m sorry to hear that you have scleroderma. And hope you have a mild form and are doing well. I was a pastel artist for just a few years and started to develop puffy fluid filled fingers that would wax and wane each day but were constant regarding daily swelling for over a year. Especially when I exercised or went out in warm weather. Then developed an irritated scalp with hair loss. My doctors thought possibly scleroderma but I have no other symptoms and blood work all came back negative. I have yet to get a diagnosis after a year but my fingers still are concerning. I’m wondering what we’re your first symptoms were. I’ve heard silica exposure is a possible cause of developing the disease and I know it is in the pastels I was using.
Thank you. I have been using acrylics for over 40 years and have suffered from consistent chest infections. Last year I had pneumonia but I thought it was totally unrelated until I saw an article yesterday where a range of non cadmium paints have been developed. I have now researched cadmium toxicity and am mortified to realise the potential dangers. Once more I have respiratory issues and am going to need medical intervention to get well again.
To Mag and all other artists who have suffered illness from using cadmium paints.
I hope you receive the best medical support for a quick and complete recovery. Liquitex has created the world’s first non-cadmium acrylic paint with the same performance, vibrancy, and lightfastness as cadmium paint. https://www.liquitex.com/cadmium-free/
Best regards,
Renee
I started pour painting a few months ago. I recently developed really sore muscles, fatigue, shortness of breath and overall feel pretty terrible.
I plan to stop painting at least, for a few weeks to see if I feel any better. Do you have any advice on pushing these chemicals through my system any quicker?
Rebecca, I’m so sorry you have been developing those symptoms. As we are not equipped to offer any medical advice, you may want to seek the help of a healthcare professional. I hope you feel better soon and recover completely.