Are darkroom chemicals toxic?

Contact with high levels of some photo chemicals can lead to acute problems such as burns, dermatitis, dizziness, vomiting, asphyxiation and central nervous system failure. Long-term, low-level exposure can result in chronic problems such as allergic reactions, headaches, depression, lung ailments and cancer.

Can you get cancer from chemicals?

Exposure to some chemicals and hazardous substances can increase the risk of cancer. A few well-known carcinogens are asbestos, nickel, cadmium, radon, vinyl chloride, benzidene, and benzene. These carcinogens may act alone or with another carcinogen to increase your risk.

Is developing film carcinogenic?

Black and white film developing chemicals are NOT dangerous, as long as you take simple, common sense precautions. Maybe some people are just more sensitive to chemicals, and in that case they might need to be extra careful. But in general, photo chemicals are not that toxic.

Is black and white developer toxic?

Should you wear a mask when developing film?

You don’t need a respirator but you do need good ventilation and a good extractor fan preferably close to the wet side of the darkroom. In the past I’ve had to use an air-line respirator but then we were spraying emulsions and chemistry but that’s grosss overkill as is a respirator for normal uses.

Is developing film harmful?

Most developers are moderately to highly toxic by ingestion, with ingestion of less than one tablespoon of compounds such as monomethyl-p-aminophenol sulfate, hydroquinone, or pyrocatechol being possibly fatal for adults.

What are chemicals that cause cancer called?

A carcinogen is something that can cause you to have cancer. It may be a substance in the air, a product you use, or a chemical in foods and drinks. Just because you had contact with a carcinogen doesn’t mean that you’ll get cancer.

How long do developing chemicals last?

Working solutions are the chemicals of the process that have be diluted with water to working strength. If unused in and stored in capped bottles, nearly full, they have a shelf life of about 2 months. Used working solutions can be stored after use.

How dangerous are darkroom chemicals?

Reactions also depend on the concentrations of the chemicals and the conditions under which they are used. The greatest danger to darkroom workers and hobbyists is through the inhalation of powders or vapors. Additionally, most chemicals in the darkroom are liquids in open trays or tanks which increases the chance for spills.

What are the dangers of photo chemicals?

Contact with high levels of some photo chemicals can lead to acute problems such as burns, dermatitis, dizziness, vomiting, asphyxiation and central nervous system failure. Long-term, low-level exposure can result in chronic problems such as allergic reactions, headaches, depression, lung ailments and cancer.

How to properly dispose of chemicals in a photo darkroom?

Proper methods for disposal of chemicals are rarely covered in photo darkroom books, classes or chemical packages. When it is mentioned, it is typically suggested that the chemicals be dumped down the drain with plenty of water. This practice reduces damage to pipes and sewage systems, but the same total amount of chemical is disposed.

Which darkroom chemicals should I use for black and white photography?

For black and white processing, some suggested darkroom chemicals for developing are: Kodak D-76 – A powder, this developer is an oldie but goodie. D76 was originally made by Kodak in 1927. This is one of the most popular developers.