Title: The Health Risks of Painting with Oils, Acrylics, and Watercolors - Artsy
Headings: Your Paints May Contain Toxic Chemicals. Here’s How to Avoid Harming Yourself and the Environment
Creativity
Your Paints May Contain Toxic Chemicals. Here’s How to Avoid Harming Yourself and the Environment
Photo by Jenna S.
Know what your paints are made of
Paint swatches.
Be aware of toxic pigments
Paint and materials.
Make your studio safe
Follow best practices for disposing of paint and materials

Content: The Health Risks of Painting with Oils, Acrylics, and Watercolors - Artsy
Creativity
Your Paints May Contain Toxic Chemicals. Here’s How to Avoid Harming Yourself and the Environment
Ingrid Christensen
Aug 10, 2018 2:04pm
Photo by Jenna S.
Artists are often quite knowledgeable about the compelling feats they can achieve with paint, but they aren’t always aware of what their paints are made from. From oils to acrylics to watercolors, some paints contain toxic chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans and the environment. And among those artists who are aware of these risks, many don’t know what they can do to prevent them. The good news is that painting has come a long way from the days of lead pigments and turpentine. And, with some knowledge and a few simple strategies, artists can paint healthily into old age. Below, we share some of the key health and safety issues pertaining to painting, and ways to avoid them. Know what your paints are made of
Paint swatches. Oil paints are essentially made of two components: pigments and a vehicle;