darkroom health hazards

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Can anyone let me know of any health hazards associated with darkroom chemicals(devel., stop, fixer) from contact and inhalation. Please pardon me that this doesn't directly deal w/lenses, but I want to start up the darkroom again and use all those superb Pentax 67 lenses I have. Not interested in digital B&W thanks! mark

-- mark smith (msmith@fayar.net), January 22, 2002

Answers

Mark: All chemicals can pose some risk if used improperly or carelessly, by B&W darkroom chemicals are relatively safe if common-sense precautions are used. Beware of splashs which could put chems into your eyes, ventilate the darkroom well, and DON''T BRING FOOD INTO THE DARKROOM! (You get chemicals on you hands, then move your hands to your mouth...)

Developers: Some people have, or can acquire, allergies to certain developing agents. But if you find yourself sensitive to one developer, switch to another. There are about a zillion developers out there, but Xtol, D-76, HC-110, and T-Max will handle just about anything.

Stop Bath: The smell of acetic acid isn't pleasant, but isn't dangerous. You can also purchase "non-stinky" stop bath.

Fixer: This is a little tougher. The rapid fix formulations can have an odor, and fixer can be a little caustic. (Don't get it in your eyes, or a cut).

I've been teaching photography (with full black and white darkroom technique) to college students for 13 years and I haven't lost one yet, but I stress safety, and I threaten dire consequences for food in the darkroom. I have a safety sheet I hand out to my students. E-mail me on the side, and I'll send you a copy.

-- Jerry Anderson (janderson@umary.edu), January 22, 2002.


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