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glaze allergies

updated thu 1 jun 06

 

Mary Adams on wed 31 may 06


Does anyone have problems with glaze allergies. I have been having
increasingly bad sinus problems and nausea and dizziness. I've been to a
couple of doctors now and they disagree about it being a sinus infection.
One wants to give me antibiotics every two weeks; and the ENT specialist
thinks there is no infection; but, just nose problems. I have allergies;
but, have never had them this bad (coinsidental it seems to starting to mix
my own glazes and do glazing at home in my studio). And, it seems that they
act up more when I have a day of glazing and clean-up.

I'm trying to decipher if it is the glazing. I will be heart-broken if that
is the case and I have to give this up. But, cannot go on like this.

Would appreciate any advice or news.

Mary

William & Susan Schran User on wed 31 may 06


On 5/31/06 5:46 PM, "Mary Adams" wrote:

> I have allergies;
> but, have never had them this bad (coinsidental it seems to starting to mix
> my own glazes and do glazing at home in my studio). And, it seems that they
> act up more when I have a day of glazing and clean-up.

Are you wearing a PROPER respirator when you mix the glazes and clean up?


-- William "Bill" Schran
Fredericksburg, Virginia
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu

Lynn Goodman Porcelain Pottery on wed 31 may 06


I sympathize! I have very bad allergies to a multitude of things. While
they don't specifically include glaze materials, the approach is the
same. What you may have is an irritation, not a specific allergy. I
suspect that if you were allergic, you'd be allergic to clay as well.
Some suggestions:

If you aren't using a mask during mixing/glazing, do so. Also wear it
during clean-up. Perhaps spring for a better mask.
Get yourself some sweeping compound. Use it EVERY time you sweep, and
sweep often.
Install a vent over or near your glaze mixing table.
Wash your hands and face frequently and change your clothes when you're
done.
See an allergist for tests and possible medication that may help.


Good luck--Lynn


On May 31, 2006, at 5:46 PM, Mary Adams wrote:

> Does anyone have problems with glaze allergies. I have been having
> increasingly bad sinus problems and nausea and dizziness. I've been
> to a
> couple of doctors now and they disagree about it being a sinus
> infection.
> One wants to give me antibiotics every two weeks; and the ENT
> specialist
> thinks there is no infection; but, just nose problems. I have
> allergies;
> but, have never had them this bad (coinsidental it seems to starting
> to mix
> my own glazes and do glazing at home in my studio). And, it seems
> that they
> act up more when I have a day of glazing and clean-up.
>
> I'm trying to decipher if it is the glazing. I will be heart-broken if
> that
> is the case and I have to give this up. But, cannot go on like this.
>
> Would appreciate any advice or news.
>
> Mary
>
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Lynn Goodman
Fine Porcelain Pottery
548 Court St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-858-6920
Cell 347-526-9805
www.lynngoodmanporcelain.com

John Post on wed 31 may 06


Hi Mary,
This is supposed to be one of the worst allergy seasons in 10 years
according to my allergist.
Everything grows and shoots out seeds and pollen in the spring.
If you have an air conditioned house and then work in a studio that does
not have climate control, then that's just like working a day outdoors
in all the pollen and other stuff.

Let's say that you wore a hepa filter respirator in the studio from the
minute you got in until the minute you left. These things are supposed
to keep all dust out. If you still had problems after this, then maybe
something else other than clay and glazes are your problem.

The other thing that you might have in your studio that could be causing
you problems is the clay. If you have mold allergies, you might be
allergic to the molds in the clay.

You might also try seeing if working in your studio during different
seasons gives different results. If you are ok in winter but have
problems in spring and summer, then it is something in the environment
during those months that is affecting you. These are just some things
to think about off the top of my head, I'm sure others will have more
for you to think about regarding this issue...

John Post
Sterling Heights, Michigan

>Does anyone have problems with glaze allergies. I have been having
>increasingly bad sinus problems and nausea and dizziness. I've been to a
>couple of doctors now and they disagree about it being a sinus infection.
>One wants to give me antibiotics every two weeks; and the ENT specialist
>thinks there is no infection; but, just nose problems. I have allergies;
>but, have never had them this bad (coinsidental it seems to starting to mix
>my own glazes and do glazing at home in my studio). And, it seems that they
>act up more when I have a day of glazing and clean-up.
>
>I'm trying to decipher if it is the glazing. I will be heart-broken if that
>is the case and I have to give this up. But, cannot go on like this.
>
>
>