Painting and Protection of our EnvironmentPainting and Protection of our Environment

If Vincent van If Vincent van Gogh were alive Gogh were alive todaytodayhe could not paint his sunflowers, because his paint contained Chrome Yellow pigment, which is rich in lead and very toxic

(The National Gallery, London, WikiArt)(The National Gallery, London, WikiArt)

If Claude Monet were alive todayIf Claude Monet were alive todayhe could paint this (he could paint this (““BordigheraBordighera””, 1884) using Cadmium Yellow,, 1884) using Cadmium Yellow,

but could put us and our children at risk as a resultbut could put us and our children at risk as a result

(Art Institute of Chicago, WikiArt)(Art Institute of Chicago, WikiArt)

What goes around, comes What goes around, comes around… around… cadmium and other environmental toxins in paint cadmium and other environmental toxins in paint

released into waste water can accumulate in soil and thus our foodreleased into waste water can accumulate in soil and thus our food

Long-term Effects of High Cadmium Long-term Effects of High Cadmium IntakeIntake

kidney damage

osteoporosis (brittle bones), leading to fractures

cancers, including breast cancer

lasting environmental cadmium burden, as we put cadmium back into the environment via waste water

Use less toxic paintsUse less toxic paints

earth colours are among the few paints that are essentially non-toxic to the environment

those containing lead, cadmium, antimony, nickel, arsenic, cobalt and other toxic pigments are particularly hazardous to the environment

use less toxic ‘hues’ whenever possible; also cheaper!

Dispose of Waste Dispose of Waste ProperlyProperly

waste paint, empty tubes, rags, wipes, etc., should be collected and sent for disposal under local rules

never allow any spirit or other non-aqueous solvent to go down a drain

allow dirty wash water/solvent to settle, then dispose of the solids according to local rules

filter water before even considering release to the drain

Special ProblemsSpecial Problems

when painting outdoors (plein air) you must avoid spillage of wash water/solvent at all costs. Take your waste back with you to dispose of properly

shared and communal studios may need more formal systems

art schools and classes need special care too

Further AdviceFurther Advice

never be afraid to seek further advice from your local environmental expert

paint manufacturers will also provide expert advice on request

Please keep our environment safe for Please keep our environment safe for the futurethe future

so that our children can also enjoy our paintingsso that our children can also enjoy our paintings

(Museum Folkwang, Essen, WikiArt)(Museum Folkwang, Essen, WikiArt)(Vincent van Gogh, Wheat Field behind St Paul Hospital with a Reaper, 1889)(Vincent van Gogh, Wheat Field behind St Paul Hospital with a Reaper, 1889)