If you paint, sand, stuff, cut, shred, glue, spray anything in the creation of your art, you should know what’s going into your lungs.  I’m going to talk and link you to some info on ventilation and respirators.

First, Ventilation:

Ventilation has three purposes: 1) Control temperature 2) it prevents fire and explosions (when gases build up) 3) remove toxins from air.  If you think you’re safe using an air-conditioner or even outside, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe. Air-conditioners recycle air so you will be breathing the same stuff and you can’t control the direction of the wind to prevent it from blowing at you. If you’re using small amounts of solvents, you’re probably okay to do this outside.

Now, for types of ventilation, there is general or dilution and exhaust. One helps keep gases from building up which can ignite themselves and cause an explosion and exhaust is about getting the air away from you, preventing prolonged exposure to toxins.

Now a little bit about respirators:

If you’re using paints that are solvent-clean up you should know what you’re inhaling. And most likely be using a respirator. Many artists say “well, I can’t smell anything, I’m okay”. No. If you can smell something, you’re too late.

Let’s take a look at respirators:

In googling stuff, I found this page which eloquently states some respirator choices far better than I could so read this then come back here.

Ok, back? Good. The main thing you should recognize first when you’re on the hunt for your respirator, is what you’re trying to stave off. Organic fumes? Particilants? Both?

Some materials (like wool or fake fur or the stuffing fiber Kapok) you’re probably ok to just use a dust mask to keep the bigger fibers out of your lungs. But if you’re baking polymer clay, varnishing wood, or spray painting your skate decks, throw a respirator on.

And no, holding your breath won’t protect you.

Let’s say you cast a lot of resin jewelry pieces, what do you need? You should first get a respirator with changeable cartridge pads. But you can also look into a spray booth.

Spray booths come in many sizes- including those for the hobbyist and crafter. Desk-top booths like this one here from Dick Blick might be a good option for those casting small projects. Or this one. Even so, when you’re using a resin (or any 2-part casting medium) please always make sure to read the label and know what you’re using. I would still wear a respirator while using one of these booths.

Also, if possible, I would vent it to the highest point you can. If you’re working in your basement and you vent to the immediate outside, you might run the risk of harming animals or other people who live near you. At least if you’re venting high, it has a greater chance to dissipate before it hits the ground.

I just got a great book called Artists Beware by Michael McCann. I highly recommend it.

These posts aren’t meant to be authoritative, but more hoping it will open your eyes to get you to know what materials you’re using and how you’re using them; hoping that these will urge you to research more about your situation.