No matter if you’re renting a studio space or working from your desk at home, having a safe and hazard-free space to create is essential. These things tend to escape our eye until the damage is done. At first sight, a harmless activity like doll making can hide some risky and damaging elements. In this article, I want to explore some of the potential hazards and risks to your health you can easily avoid at your creative workspace!

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Chemical hazards

Do a research about the materials you’re using. Most of them will have this information on the label, but additional reading would be helpful as well. Know which materials are toxic, flammable, and potentially reactive. Make sure you’re aware of precautions and protect yourself against illness or injury.

In the doll making world, the toxic materials are usually aerosol sprays like matt varnish, used to seal the paints, spray primers, paint thinners, glue, some porcelain paints and glazes that contain lead or other harmful metals, etc.

Dust

One of the most common hazards for doll makers is dust. Sanding, drilling and carving any clay or sculpting material will produce dust that can settle in your lungs and harm them permanently. I can’t stress this enough - always, always wear a protective mask or, even better, a respirator and goggles to protect yourself! Regularly vacuum (with a HEPA filter) and mop the floors, clean surrounding surfaces with a wet cloth. Dry sweeping lifts up the settled dust and doesn’t remove it.

Ventilation

Make sure your working space has good ventilation, especially if you’re working with paints, solvents, aerosols and other materials that can produce harmful vapors. Adequate ventilation helps with dust issues as well. If you use a lot of toxic materials, you might need to invest in an exhaust ventilation system. Try to open the windows at least once a day to ensure sufficient air-flow.

Protective equipment

I touched on protective equipment earlier, but what you should really use to keep yourself well protected?

• Respirator

• Goggles

• Gloves, thimble

There are a few types of gloves to choose from. Leather gloves protect hands from heat, sparks, and cuts. Heavy cotton work gloves can protect against abrasions and slivers. Rubber, vinyl or latex gloves shield against chemical exposure to solvents, acids, and bases.

• Apron

Other protective measures might include tying long hair, removing dangling jewelry (especially when working with power tools).

Consider substituting your materials

The art industry made heaps of progress over the years, offering safer alternatives regarding art supplies. Water-based paints, mineral spirits for thinning oil-based paints, lead-free glazes, water-based aerosols - you’ll be able to find safer options! Personally, I made a switch to water-based matt spray varnish. I’ve used to buy regular acrylic varnish that smelled horrible and was only suitable for using outside. I can use the water-based spray varnish inside my studio (with good ventilation) and it made a tremendous difference for me.

I hope this information was helpful and inspired you to make some changes to your environment. I still struggle a little bit with taking these precautions seriously, but I’m getting better about it every day. Share other insights in the comments below, I’m sure we’ll all appreciate it!