NIOSH Evaluation Finds Metals on Surfaces in School Art Studio
Surface wipe sampling in a school ceramics and visual arts studio found detectable levels of metals on all surfaces tested, according to a health hazard evaluation (HHE) report by NIOSH. Agency staff were invited to the art studio by management of the school, which served children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Management was concerned about potential exposures to respirable crystalline silica and other hazards. Although NIOSH did not find respirable crystalline silica, dust, or metals in any of the air samples collected, all studio surfaces tested positive for at least one metal on a list that included lead, cadmium, nickel, and other substances. Some positive samples were close to the lower detectable limits of laboratory tests, meaning that NIOSH could not be certain about the quantity of metal present, the report states.
Metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel may be found in art materials like clay, glaze, and paint. Some serve no useful purpose in the body and are toxic to all organs, while others are dangerous only at elevated levels. No occupational exposure limits exist for metals on surfaces, the report explains, but “the presence of metals on surfaces indicated the need to improve cleaning protocols and practice good hand hygiene.” To minimize the presence of metals on surfaces in the art studio, NIOSH recommended a protocol to clean surfaces where clay has been worked with clean, damp cloths, sponges, or paper towels. Limiting upholstered furniture and carpeting in the studio is another way to reduce the accumulation of clay dust.
NIOSH staff also identified a range of other hazards and safety issues present in the art studio and issued recommendations to minimize them. For example, ensuring safe storage for classroom materials and art supplies would reduce slip, trip, and fall hazards, permit safe exit in an emergency, and reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew growth. Improving the studio’s ventilation system would help reduce contaminants and potential exposures to staff and students. The report also recommended installing eyewash stations, developing standard procedures for the use of personal protective equipment, and prohibiting students and staff from eating and drinking within the studio.
The report may be downloaded as a PDF from NIOSH’s HHE report library.