Many pigments in paints and ingredients in mediums, varnishes, and other supplies are toxic to some degree. As such, all paints and supplies should be treated as potentially dangerous.
Specifically, some pigments contain heavy metals, including antimony, arsenic, borates, lead, cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, and mercury. These heavy metals can be toxic, poisonous, or carcinogenic. Sometimes, it’s easy to tell when one of these ingredients is in the paint because it’s in the name. For example, Cadmium Yellow contains cadmium, and Cobalt Blue contains cobalt. Other times, you have to read the safety data sheet to know the ingredients. For example, Naples Yellow contains antimony, and Zinc White contains lead.
All artists must be responsible for the proper use and disposal of paints, rags, and other contaminated supplies. It’s essential to keep paints from being ingested or inhaled. Artists must be aware that practices like airbrushing and sanding can create particles that can be breathed in and potentially damage the lungs. Some paints and supplies are skin irritants, which is why some artists wear gloves while painting.
EXPERT TIP: Never mistake your paint water glass for your coffee mug or put used paint water glasses back into rotation as drinking glasses.
Best practice is to read the labels, become familiar with what’s in the products and paints you use, and act accordingly. You don’t want your painting practice to have a negative impact on your health or the health of your loved ones. For more information on Winsor & Newton paints, visit their Health and Safety Information page.