Overexposure: Health Hazards in Photography (Paperback)

by Susan Shaw (Author), Monona Rossol (Author) "Clearly, photographic chemicals pose a significant threat to health..." (more)
Key Phrases: approved toxic dust mask, good dilution ventilation, toxic sulfur dioxide gas, Material Safety Data Sheets, United States, Pigment Yellow (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Accessibly written for the practicing photographer, this should be required reading for all working or merely seeking pleasure in photography -- Alpha Newsletter

It is a classic in the field and belongs in the library of every school, university, film lab and photographer. If you buy and read only one new book this year, make it this one -- ASMP, NorCal

Shaw and Rossol's well-organized compendium of explanations and precautions for photographic workers is outstanding in the way that the material is organized and cross-referenced. . . . Recommended for all libraries -- Choice

Speaks with authority on matters vital to a lot of photographers and photo lab workers -- Photo Life, Canada

Susan Shaw and Monona Rossol have done a great service in writing Overexposure. This book offers a clear and concise treatment of the subject of health and safety in photography, without using a sensationalistic tone -- New Hampshire Arts

This book should be as essential as film to a photographer setting up a safety and health program. It would also be a useful tool for industrial hygienists with responsibility for photographers. . . . The information is not presented as a sermon, and it is genuinely helpful. It should be required reading for all teachers of photography -- AIHA

This inexpensive book should be available in every laboratory involved with photography -- Bulletin Microscopial Society of Canada

This is an excellent book for the darkroom worker with invaluable tips about the potential hazards present in the darkroom. Buy it -- Camera and Darkroom Photography

Valuable reading for people involved in health and safety training, and essential reading for anyone in the field of photography--including students, instructors and lab technicians--concerned about toxic chemicals and their potentially dangerous effects -- Communication Arts

Product Description
This indispensable guide covers all the risks faced by photographers, lab personnel, and others involved with photographic chemicals and discusses how to ensure their health and safety. Coverage includes setting up a safe workplace, a review of which chemicals are harmful in various types of photographic processes, health issues in conservation and restoration, and right-to-know laws.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 2nd edition (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0960711864
• ISBN-13: 978-0960711864
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,046,463 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for all photographers, October 9, 2000

By	R. Smith (Burlington, VT) - See all my reviews

Anyone who sets foot in a darkroom should read this book. A little scary at times, but information you need to be aware of. Especially important for creative workers who often forget about the side effects of the materials they work with.

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst book I ever read on this subject., May 15, 2009

By	JEAN DAVID BEYER (SHREWSBURY, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It has been a long time since I read this book. In my opinion, it is the worst book I have ever read on this subject of toxicology in photography. I have serious doubts if Ms. Shaw is a toxicologist, and it seems to be something written by someone who has an hysterical fear of any chemicals.

I am not recommending that people drink photographic solutions or inhale the crushed crystals that are the components of many of these solutions, but a little common sense (that may be rare in our society these days) would keep most photographers out of trouble.

Dr. Richard J. Henry's book, "Controls in Black and White Photography -- Second Edition" contains a chapter on laboratory safety for photographers. He was an MD and a practicing research chemist by profession. This book is sadly out of print, but you may be able to get a copy. It is very good.

http://www.amazon.com/Controls-Black-White-Photography-Richard/dp/0240517881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242386103&sr=1-1

Another book, "The Dose makes the Poison", written by a professional toxicologist, M. Alice Ottoboni, is a much better book on this subject.

http://www.amazon.com/Dose-Makes-Poison-Plain-Language-Toxicology/dp/0471288373/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242385830&sr=1-2