I, too, was somewhat "weirded out" at first about using "the most toxic chemical in the darkroom," as Gordon Hutchings puts it. But, as I use it, I realize I've always tried to avoid getting darkroom chemicals on me, and my normal procedures work just fine with pyro. I keep a damp rag nearby in case of mishap, and mop things up if needbe, rinsing out the rag in cold water as necessary. I also buy my PMK in liquid form from Photographers' Formulary to avoid inhaling any dust (which is potentially the most dangerous aspect). In short, the more I use it, the more I just treat PMK like any other chemical I don't want to get on me--NO BIG DEAL! And by the way, I don't think pyro is any more toxic than the selenium most of use for archival toning.(posted 8451 days ago)I would really encourage you to try PMK. Order Hutchings' book with your chemicals and save $5 or so on the deal, or read about PMK in the Film Developing Cookbook. I know some people on this forum haven't had good luck with PMK, but I certainly have. The stuff lasts forver and just gets better with age. My negatives have never been so consistent or easy to print, and the highlights seem to leap off the page! Good luck if you decide to give it a whirl.