Copper Restoration Project = SICKNESS for OVER 7-DAYS

don thibodeaux - Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 9:59pm

copper sicknesscopper sicknesscopper sicknesscopper sicknesscopper sicknesssicknessCopper Restoration Project- "THE SICK DAYS OF SUMMER": I've been seriously ill since the day I reconstructed this palm leaf branch. 5 days of violent vomiting, no sleep, plus a constent head-ache and continued weakness that hasn't let up for going on two weeks. Don T.

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Get Well Don

Frank Castiglione - Thursday, June 14, 2007 - 10:45pm

Hi Don,
Bummer dude... I certainly hope you start feeling better soon.Do you think your illness is related to this project? I don't like hearing about anyone being ill, especially if its related to something they love.Thoughts and prayers are headed your way...
Frank

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Get well Don

B.J. Severtson - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 7:56am

Don,
Nice fron Get well soon. Brad

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Get Better Don

SteelyJan - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 8:10am

Hi Don,
Hope you are feeling better. Do you think the copper was coated with something toxic? Did you see a doctor?(I hope so) Our thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery... Janet R.

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sickness from copper restoration

don thibodeaux - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 10:09am

Thank you for get well wishes. I've been to the doctors twice, for blood work. They can't find anything , yet. I go back on Monday for the results of the last round of test. I feel it has someting to do with the cobination of welding old copper, the patina that has built-up on the piece and the led that the original artisens used to put the copper panels togther. I'm starting to feel better, but I'm wondering about going back to that job. I don't have insurance for the doctor's visits. But I do have a couple of shows this month to get some money together for that. But one thing really is bothering me- I have to go back to the job, I need it- but my boss isn't showing any concern, he acts as if my sickness has nothing to do with the job. That is a bummer, since I love the work and I need the money. Thankfully, the doctor is discounting me 50% for all that they are doing. I think this episode will eventually work its way into my new series of figures.

Thanks again,
Don T.

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Get well soon , Don. I like

chrisp - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 6:10pm

Get well soon , Don. I like the palm branch though. I wonder if you are allergic to something in the shop , such as a solvent used for cleaning , or something. Maybe your using something new , your body doesnt like. Hope you feel better.............chrisp

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patina safty

B.J. Severtson - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 7:39pm

Don. You might find this interesting, Brad

Health & Safety in the Arts
A Searchable Database of
Health & Safety Information for Artists

Metal Working Patina Hazard

IDPatina ChemicalOther NamesIngestion HazInhalation HazSkin Contact HazOther Hazards

1	Acetic Acid		Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	TLV 10 ppm; concentrate very corrosive; ingestion may be fatal; may cause chronic bronchitis; vinegar is 2-3% acetic acid
2	Ammonia		Moderately toxic to highly toxic	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	TLV 25 ppm; household ammonia is 5-10% ammonia; skin contact can cause burns; high concentrations can cause chemical pneumonia; mixing w/alkalis releases ammonia gas; mixing w/chlorine bleach forms poison gas
3	Ammonium Chloride		Slightly toxic	Slightly toxic	Not significantly toxic	TLV 10 mg/m3; if heated, it decomposes to hydrogen chloride, ammonia, which are strong respiratory irritants
4	Ammonium Nitrate		Moderately toxic	Slightly toxic	Not significantly toxic	Very powerful oxidizing agent, which can react explosively w/solvents, organic materials, acids
5	Ammonium Sulfate		Slightly toxic	Slightly toxic	Slightly toxic	If heated, it decomposes to form irritating ammonia and sulfur oxides
6	Ammonium Sulfide		Extremely toxic	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	Releases extremely toxic hydrogen sulfide gas; if heated/treated w/acid, it decomposes to form ammonia, hydrogen sulfide gas; hydrogen sulfide can also form in stomach due to reaction w/stomach acid, if ingested
7	Arsenic Oxide		Extremely toxic	Extremely toxic	Highly toxic	PEL 0.01 mg/m3, NIOSH C 0.002 mg/m3; known carcinogen; acute ingestion may be fatal; reaction w/acid forms poisonous arsine gas; causes skin irritation, cancer, kidney & liver damage; nervous system damage; DO NOT USE
8	Barium Sulfide		Extremely toxic	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	TLV 0.5 mg/m3; may cause skin/eye/nose/throat irritation, intestinal spasms, heart irregularities, muscle pain; releases extremely hydrogen sulfide gas; reacts w/acid to form hydrogen sulfide (can react w/stomach acid, if ingested)
9	Chromium VI Compounds	Chromium trioxide, potassium dichromate	Highly toxic to extremely toxic	Highly toxic to extremely toxic	Highly toxic	TLV 0.05 mg/m3, NIOSH 0.001 mg/m3; known carcinogen; strong oxidizing agents; corrosive; may cause irritation, ulcer, allergies, cancer, gastroenteritis, circulatory collapse, kidney damage; DO NOT USE
10	Copper Compounds	Copper sulfate, copper carbonate, copper chloride, copper nitrate	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	Slightly toxic	TLV 1 mg/m3, PEL 0.1 mg/m3; may cause irritation, ulcer, congestion, metal fume fever, gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting
11	Ferric Chloride	Iron perchloride	Moderately toxic	Slightly toxic	Moderately toxic	Powder; forms hydrochloric acid in solution; ingestion of large amounts. by children could cause iron poisoning; heating releases highly toxic hydrogen chloride gas, which causes lung irritation, pulmonary edema
12	Hydrochloric Acid	Muriatic acid	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Concentrates highly corrosive; causes severe stomach damage, lung irritation; possible chronic bronchitis; diluted acid less haz., but still causes skin/eye irritation; vapors highly toxic if inhaled
13	Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentrated)		Highly toxic	Slightly toxic	Moderately toxic	TLV 1 ppm; corrosive to skin, eyes, gastrointestinal system, strong oxidizing agent; dilute solutions not considered haz.; may react w/ flammable liquids, combustible materials, some metal salts
14	Iodine		Extremely toxic	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	TLV-C 0.1 ppm; corrosive; skin contact may cause hypersensitivity and burns; oxidizing agent; inhalation causes severe respiratory irritation similar to chlorine gas, but at room temperature, not much of a problem because of low volatility; may be fatal
15	Lead Acetate		Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Not significantly toxic	PEL 0.05 mg/m3; probable carcinogen, mutagen, developmental toxicant; may cause lead poisoning, causing lead colic, anemia, weakening of joints, headaches, irritability, malaise, pain in joints, kidney damage, birth defects; DO NOT USE
16	Liver of Sulfur (see Potassium Sulfide)
17	Nitric Acid		Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	TLV 2 ppm; concentrate highly corrosive; strong oxidizer; reacts w/copper & alloys to form highly toxic nitrogen dioxide gas; can cause severe stomach damage, skin, eye irritation, emphysema
18	Oxalic Acid		Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	Highly toxic	TLV 1 mg/m3; powder and solutions corrosive to skin, eyes, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system; causes kidney damage, gangrene of extremities, gastroenteritis
19	Platinum Chloride		Unknown	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	TLV 0.002 mg/m3; causes skin allergies, nasal allergies, asthma, lung scarring, emphysema; people w/red or light hair and fine-textured skin most susceptible
20	Potassium Chlorate		Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	Moderately toxic	Strong oxidizing agent used in pyrotechnics; skin, eye, respiratory irritant; ingestion causes gastritis, methemoglobinemia, kidney damage; DO NOT USE
21	Potassium Ferricyanide		Moderately toxic	Slightly toxic	Slightly toxic	When heated strongly, treated w/acid, or exposed to uv radiation, decomposes to form poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas
22	Potassium Sulfide	Potassium polysulfide, liver of sulfur	Extremely toxic	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	Reaction involves release of extremely toxic hydrogen sulfide gas; if heated/treated w/acid, it decomposes to form hydrogen sulfide gas; can also happen in stomach due to reaction w/stomach acid, if ingested
23	Sodium Hydroxide	Lye	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Highly toxic	TLV-C 2 mg/m3; highly corrosive; ingestion can cause severe pain and damage to mouth and esophagus, and can be fatal; inhalation can cause chemical pneumonia; dilute alkaline solutions more corrosive than dilute acid solutions
24	Sodium Thiosulfate		Moderately toxic	Highly toxic	Not significantly toxic	Ingestion can cause purging; reacting w/acid or heating causes decomposition to sulfur dioxide; aqueous solutions also decompose to form sulfur dioxide; chronic inhalation causes bronchitis; asthmatics especially sensitive to sulfur dioxide
25	Zinc Chloride		Highly toxic	Highly toxic	Moderately toxic	TLV 1 mg/m3; corrosive to skin, eyes, stomach; inhalation of fumes from heating highly irritating to respiratory system and may cause bronchitis/pulmonary edema

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Disclaimer
This information set forth herein is furnished free of charge and is based on public domain information that is believed to be reliable. The City of Tucson makes no warranty as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The information is to be used at an individual's own risk.
This web site is sponsored by the City of Tucson's Environmental Management Division through an Environmental Justice Grant.
Web site design by Dreamco.

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documentation

Paula - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 9:35pm

Nothing worse than getting sick right when you get into something you love.... If you think its work related, maybe, just maybe consider keeping some sort of diary/documentation as to what is going on with you and your job on a day to day basis.... doesn't hurt, does it???

Hope you get better.

Paula

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Dude, my heart goes out to

J.R. Tamayo - Friday, June 15, 2007 - 10:28pm

Dude, my heart goes out to you. Getting sick is one of my biggest fears about this work. I have a good friend, a welder, who is dying of emphysema. What what kind of metal work were you doing during the copper restoration? I've been thinking about purchasing a positive pressure resparation mask. I saw one at Alex in Welderland's while in LA. I price them today and they're expensive (apx $1k). Hope you continue feeling better, and there's no long-term damage.

J.R.

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J.R., It isn't that

Rich Waugh - Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 10:29pm

J.R.,

It isn't that difficult to make your own supplied air welding helmet or face mask, actually. You just need a small blower that will pump air from a clean source through a HEPA filter into your helmet through a lightweight vacuum cleaner type hose.

I rigged one years ago for welding inside vacuum vessels where there was no natural ventilation, and it made a huge difference. Gave me clean air to breathe, and kept me cool, too.

The biggest drawback to the DIY supplied air hood is having to drag the hose around, but for a thousand bucks I can drag a hose, I guess.

DON'T use air from a compressor, unless that compressor is rated and inspected for supplying breathing air. Regular compressors put oil andother contaminants into the air, and that might be worse for you than no hood at all. Be absolutely sure your blower is picking up clean outside air, and use a HEPA filter anyway. Also, a little humidifier in the line can be nice if you're in an area wiht very low humidity.

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Hey Rick, how ya doin

J.R. Tamayo - Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 12:01am

Hey Rick, how ya doin buddy!?

Yea, Alex also explained to me how to rig my own resperator up... I'll probably get around to it if I make this a full time gig. For now, I'm still a hobbyist, putting in about 20 fun filled hours per week. The problem is that I usually put in the 20 hours in 2 straight days, and I don't know if it's psychosomatic, but I do feel a bit punchy afterwards. Today, my kid actually asked me if I was feeling ok, and I told him that I was brazing copper all day, and felt kind of loopy.

This is for another topic, but, I really don't like working with copper... I prefer bronze hands down!

I like your idea about the HEPA filter, but no, no humidifier necessary... I live in Houston, Texas. Probably makes your island air arid in comparison. Speaking of islands, I still want to come visit your slice of paradise.

Good hearing from you!

J.R.

PS: Don, how ya feelin?

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Getting better

dbgore - Friday, June 22, 2007 - 1:11pm

D B Gore

Don, I am new to this site and I just read about your condition. It truly sounds like a major case of Metal Fume Fever (I believe you can look this up on Wikipedia). Likely from the brazing (any chance there was cadmium in the alloy you were using?). I got a mild case of this many years ago the first time I welded brass. Maybe a good detox is in order? See what your doc thinks.

Hope you feel better

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I'm Back,..well almost!

don thibodeaux - Monday, June 25, 2007 - 1:06pm

Thank's to all!! No one else really knows what it's like to get sick, by doing what you love (metal art), except the demographic of the ArtMetal community.

I had problems with my Mac the past week, so I'm just getting back to Art Metal. The sickness seems to have gone away (until I get back to the restoratin job). The doctor didn't find any direct poisening; however, my liver count is out of wack. But, she's getting me back in action. On the other hand, I've been back in the studio to finish up work for a garden show this past weekend. I did well ($$$), but have no pic's of the work. A collector bought a I.E.D. torso; sold two suns; a concrete planter w/ a steel and bronze stand; and about 12 concrete planters. Now, it's time to get ready for an auction, plus 2-day art fair (Aug. 10-12) in Chicago.

don t.

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Better + Busy

SteelyJan - Monday, June 25, 2007 - 5:07pm

Hi Don,
Just scrolled down and read your other post. Glad youre better but take care. Congradulations on work sold. And good luck with the show. I will be coming out to Chicago to settle my son at the University . How far are you? Maybe I can squeeze in a visit. Janet R.

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Don, Hope you feeling

Gene Olson - Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 4:41pm

Don,

Hope you feeling better now.

It's good to see you posting again.

I see that you were working on this restoration work back in June. Is that finished yet? Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's a pain trying to dream somebody elses dream and make it right. (either back to where it was and/or resolving issues about failed structure without defeating the original intent.

What else have you been up too.

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

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what new

don thibodeaux - Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 11:29pm

The large restoration projet is still going. Spent the last month in Indiana working on a Calder. Just picked up a commision this week; I'll post as it goes.

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