11. Lead Safety for Stained Glass Artists
March is Lead Safety Month at Lucent Glass! This blog is designed to keep you informed and proactive about maintaining a clean and safe studio, not to scare you! Knowledge is your best defence—understanding the risks and best practices will help you protect yourself and your workspace. Shop d-lead products here!
Is stained glass art safe?
In stained glass work, we use glass, chemicals, and lead-based materials. With proper studio setup and routine cleanup, it remains a safe and enjoyable craft. However, artists must be aware of the potential hazards and avoid mishandling materials. It is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling these products to ensure a safe working environment.
What is lead poisoning?
When lead accumulates in the body, it can be mistaken for calcium and used in place of it for various biological functions, disrupting essential processes that rely on calcium. It primarily affects the nervous system, brain, kidneys, and blood, with symptoms varying based on exposure levels and duration. It can build up in the body with prolonged exposure over time.
How does lead enter the body?
Lead enters the body through ingestion, inhalation and/or absorption. Ingestion occurs when lead particles are swallowed, often from contaminated food, hands, or objects. Inhalation happens when lead dust or vapors are breathed in. Lead dust is produced by activities such as sanding, chipping, or flaking lead-based paints or materials. Lead vaporizes at approximately 752-900°F, creating hazardous fumes when heated to high temperatures.
Inhaling lead dust or vapors allows lead particles to enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs. Lead vapors are particularly dangerous because fine particles can penetrate deep into lung tissue. However, standard stained glass soldering irons do not reach high enough temperatures to create lead vapors.
When using a heat gun to strip lead-based paint, proper protective equipment is essential, as heat guns can reach temperatures of 1100-1200°F, exceeding lead's vaporization point. Instead, infrared heat lamps, which typically operate at around 320°F, are recommended for safer paint removal.
Does lead leave the body?
Yes, lead gradually exits the body over time, but excess lead is stored in the bones and soft tissues. The elimination rate varies based on factors such as age, continued exposure, kidney function, and diet. There is no definitive timeline for lead to fully leave the body, and lead levels are typically measured by their concentration in the bloodstream. Maintaining a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and fresh foods can support the body’s natural detoxification process.
Most people who work with lead daily go their entire careers without developing lead poisoning. Since lead poisoning can have irreversible effects, early detection and prevention are critical. Regular testing, minimizing exposure, and following safety precautions can help protect against lead-related health risks. The best defence is following preventative measures and maintaining a safe working environment.
How to protect yourself in the studio and home
1. Have studio specific clothing - Keep a set of clothing and shoes specifically for your stained glass studio. Lead, glass, and chemicals are always present, and these materials often settle on the floor. To prevent bringing contaminants into your home, store your work clothes in your studio and avoid wearing them elsewhere.
After a long day in the studio or working on an old wooden window, take a shower before heading to bed to wash away any residual dust or particles. Additionally, be sure to clean your cell phone, laptop, and notebooks that you bring into the studio as part of your regular cleanup routine.
2. Clean up with products designed to trap and remove lead dust - We promote and use Esca Tech D-lead products! Regular hand soap does not effectively remove lead particles because lead is not water-soluble and tends to cling to the skin, especially in the presence of oils, sweat, and dirt. Standard soaps are designed to break down grease and dirt but are not formulated to bind to and remove metal particles like lead. We love to wash our hands with the D-Lead Hand Soap, wipe down our personal items with the D-Wipes Skin Wipes and wash our studio rags and clothes with D-Lead Laundry Soap.
3. Proper PPE - In addition to dedicated studio clothing, we recommend investing in essential PPE for your workspace. Noise-canceling headphones(not lead related but good for when using saws), a fume trap, and a properly fitted respirator and disposable gloves are valuable safety equipment to have on hand.
While soldering small sun catchers isn’t inherently dangerous, a respirator is necessary when dismantling old leaded windows as disturbing the lead and putty will generate lead dust. It’s also important to be mindful of airflow in your studio, especially due to flux fumes. At the very least, use a fan to keep air circulating and avoid soldering in enclosed spaces.
You can safely enjoy the art of stained glass by using the proper PPE. Lead dust is most prevalent when working with old leaded windows, where the lead and putty are deteriorating, and when removing lead-based paint. Always wash your hands with products specifically designed to remove lead and keep your studio space separate from your living area. We welcome you to visit our studio anytime during open hours to work on your stained glass projects! Learn more about our studio hours here!
Stay safe and have fun!
References
Esca Tech Website
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