Pastel Dust

Kathleen Wolfe wrote

on 28 Oct 2012 1:41 PM

I have been painting in oils for many years, and have just recently begun painting consistently in pastels.  Love, love, love them..........however, am somewhat concerned about the pastel dust.  I cannot find too much information on this, but I do know while cleaning my studio the other day, I cleaned up an awfully lot of dust that evidently has sifted through the air.  Since I am breathing this as well.............can anyone talk to me about the dangers.....and also filtration systems, whether you have them, whether they are necessary, etc. 

pauldico wrote

on 8 Nov 2012 9:42 AM

In general its not good to inhale dust of any kind; but it cant be avoided in anything less than a sterile environment. Not all pastels are toxic, and some pastels are more toxic than others. Keeping a wet towel under your work, never blowing on your work, wearing a dust mask, and vacuuming your environment when you are done should be fine for anyone who isn't continually working in a cloud of pastel dust.

ivo55 wrote

on 1 Dec 2012 5:14 AM

Well,

it is a nice picture. There will be always dust.

I use the hoover all the time and wile I am drawing I suck everything.

It is difficult but you can get use to it.