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Pregnancy and Fusing
Although there are those who say the biggest issue with pregnancy
and fusing is that you're likely to get so involved with fusing you
have no time to get pregnant, that's not the only risk.
Many of the risks are the same ones that exist anytime you work
with glass, and that might potentially be magnified when pregnant.
Make certain you wear a mask while working with powders, fiber
products, or sandblasting. Avoid eating or drinking around
powders and other materials, and stay away from solvents and other
strong chemicals.
Of special concern is working with oversprays, enamels, and
related chemicals. When pregnant, it's essential to avoid
products that contain lead. This include many devitrification
sprays and some enamels.
In addition, if you're using an unfamiliar product (or even a
familiar one you're concerned about), check the manufacturer's MSDS
for potentially harmful ingredients. Pay special attention to
any products that contains a teratogen (chemical that causes
birth defects, a mutagen (chemical that can cause a mutation
in DNA), or that is embryo toxic. And if you're in
doubt, avoid the product altogether.
With a little common sense and a few minutes of checking, you
should be able to safely cut glass, fuse, and slump throughout and
beyond your pregnancy.
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Copyright 2006 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
Thanks to Greg Rawls, Tony
Smith, and others for suggestions contained in this tip.
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