A skin rush because of grinding the glass ???

[Havi]

Hello everybody,
The other day I was working quite hard on grinding a piece of mine - it had to be trimmed for quite a big part.
I did it with a friend. A lot of water mixed with glass powder spraying all over -[at least it relieves the heat here ]
The next day I wake up with a terrible rush on my elbows and throat. Itching, , swollen, nerve breaking.

My family doctor said not to go into the studio - - - -

Do you think it really has to do with the grinding???
This is not the first time I grind, even though it is the first time to be with such an unpleasant rush...

Has anybody else experienced similar ??

Thanks,
Havi

[JestersBaubles]

Your skin can get abraded by the glass that is in the mist from the grinding -- I imagine the same thing for your throat (and lungs!).

Best to wear long sleeves and a MASK next time!

Dana W.

[Havi]

Thanks, Dana

I sure will







Havi

[Mark Kemp]

Any contaminants in the water, such as mold?

[Havi]

Nop
Only water mixed with glass powder.

If I am writing -
The rush got to the extent that I had to go back to the physician. SHe gave me a cortizon shot, which seems to stop the rush etc.
However, I am writing this because my physician insists that all happenned because of the staff with which I am working in my studio.
I have a big argument with this, as she wants me not to get into the studio. While I need to work hard for a soon forthcoming exhibition. Besides I LOVE working, when the ideas seem to pour themselves......

So I am seeking reasons that the rush comes of different origins [food... etc]

Thanks,

Havi

[Brad Walker]

You can get a rash for lots of reasons, including both something you ate and exposure to fine particles of any kind. My wife Jody frequently gets a rash on her arms when she works with glass powder. The solution is to wear a long sleeved shirt, probably less painful than a cortisone shot, even in Israel's heat!

[Greg Rawls]

Ground glass is chemically inert. There is nothing there chemically or biologically which would induce a contact dermatitis (which is what I think you have). It can cause skin abrasion assuming it was rubbed vigorously into the skin. Were you working with some other chemical that day? If you want to continue to work in your studio and want to avoid skin contact with ground glass, wear latex gloves and a P95 respirator.

Greg, the retired Industrial Hygienist

http://www.gregorieglass.com

[Tom Fuhrman]

are you sure the rash didn't develop because of a compromise of your immune system because you have been working so hard and probably have developed a case of "the nerves". It's amazing what our bodies are trying to tell us many times. Hope it clears up soon. I can remember working on some very large time sensitive projects that really effected me physically. Once they were complete, I was back to normal.