Introduction
IN THIS LESSON
Oil painting might expose you to harmful chemicals.
Recognize that oil paint is derived from various pigments, some of which contain heavy metals. Although common sense, I want to explicitly state that you should avoid ingestion of oil paints. I strongly recommend hand washing with scrubbing and dish soap or specially-formulated soap for oil cleanup after oil painting, or simply use gloves.
Perhaps the most harmful aspect of oil painting lies in exposure to solvents. Your oil painting setup should be adequately ventilated, and you should avoid breathing in solvents like paint thinner and turpentine. As long as you’re not bathing in it, washing it off, and you have some ventilation, I wouldn’t worry about it!
Finally, don’t pour solvents and paint down the sink. I recommend keeping a dedicated sealing trash for paint, including rags and spent paint tubes. Avoid putting wet paint-rags or solvent-rags directly in the trash without drying—oxidation of paint releases heat and the concern is spontaneous combustion. I’ve never had a problem with some wet paint here and there in a sealed trash.
Please dispose of your trash responsibly. Trash primarily filled with heavy-metal paint should be taken to a hazardous waste center.