Well Marvy!
Did you even read the initial post by Mike, before jumping in with your Gamblin propaganda.
I haven't posted much on this forum, but have paid visits almost daily and one thing I have observed is your constant reminder to folks here how Gamblin products are going to save the day, like the TV Superman in the 50's! Others, as well as myself, have come to the conclusion, you either work for them or have a dreadful fear of your art materials. Gamsol, Damvar, etc., what kind of advetising gimmick names are these? I am sure they are more of these names on the horizon all starting with Gam, or something or another that you can even use as lotion after using toxic oil paint! Sounds like they are copying by using derivatives from the names of the real stuff! Believe me, they are just as toxic if you are foolish enough to substitute them for the topping on your cesear salad.
Gary Hoff, a physician said it all to well in another section of the other Forum.
Quote:
I suppose as a physician I can answer a lot of this. Here's my take about most health issues in a nutshell:
1) Turpentine is not toxic (at least, not in the sense most people mean) unless you breathe a whale of a lot of it or you drink it. It's absorbed by skin, yes, but it takes enormous amounts to affect the liver or other organs. But. Some people are sensitive to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (found in turp and mineral spirits and other solvents) and should avoid them. This is not toxicity but sensitivity. Long-term exposure can cause sensitivity.
2) Oil paint doesn't have fumes unless it's mixed with something. Most oil paint is just oil, pigment, and stabilizers or other inert additives (in some cases, notably student grade paint, a lot of additives). Linseed oil or other drying oils could cause problems if you're allergic, but otherwise don't worry about 'em. You can eat all of them.
3) Certain heavy metals and other substances in paint (not just oils--watcolors too) can cause problems if they're ingested or absorbed--cobalt, lead, cadmium, manganese, and others. But the level of exposure to painters is generally very small.
In summary, 1) it's a bad idea to eat in the studio, smoke in the studio, or ingest paint or solvents by mouth. Old time painters used to point their brushes with their lips and ingested paint. Bad idea. 2) keep solvents capped and only use small amounts. 3) ventilate your studio. 4) Don't fear your materials; respect them.
Also, what articles from what magazine or journal? There is a ton of misinformation out there, and my colleagues who aren't painters often promote a certain level of anxiety without meaning to.
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