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Flat Figures Painters Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Brian on May 07, 2014, 05:26:27 PM
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EU might ban Cadmium paints, it has lead
Jackson's Art Supplies
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Cadmium pigments could be banned
Cadmium in Crisis!
Dear Brian
There is a possibility that Cadmium Pigments will be banned by the EU.
The authorities concerned, however, are currently assessing the situation and taking on comments from the public.
We know that a ban would affect many of our customers so we are writing to you in the hope that you can help us raise awareness of this issue and we are asking as many artists as possible to visit the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) website to give their opinions on the use, unique characteristics and handling of these special paints.
Below is an article written by our friend Michael Craine, from Spectrum Paints, who expains all the issues. We invite you to read his article before passing comment on the ECHA website.
Michael Craine - Spectrum Paints
What’s the issue?
It might initially appear rather dry and uninteresting, but the European Union’s Chemical Agency(ECHA) is considering severely restricting or even banning the use of all Cadmium pigments. It could be a significant reduction to the artists’ palette – arguably an even bigger change than the restrictions applied to the use of lead in artists’ colours. Whereas the risks associated with lead were undeniable and obvious, the premise on which the cadmium proposal is based appears both unconvincing and entirely unnecessary to many.
Why all the fuss now?
Pressure from one particular EU member state means that Cadmium pigments could be stripped of the protection they currently enjoy when used in the limited application of artists’ colours, and the changes could be introduced within a couple of years.
What is the objection?
Our understanding is that the objection to the continued use of heavy metal Cadmium pigments is based not on concern for the paint maker or artistic user, but to prevent such materials entering the water course, Essentially, one EU member maintains that by rinsing brushes in the sink, cadmium may enter the waste water treatment plants and end up in the sludge. When the sludge is spread on agricultural land, growing crops absorbs the cadmium and consequently this will lead to an increased exposure to humans via food.
How dangerous is Cadmium?
Animal studies have shown that cadmium pigments are potentially toxic and carcinogenic when inhaled or eaten. Over the years, paint makers have consequently used cadmium pigments of progressively lower solubility in efforts to increase safety. However we must be realistic and say that there is still reason to treat paints made with cadmium pigments with extra care. As has been said, there are no safe chemicals; just safe ways of using them!
The greater risks associated with cadmium are in the industrial setting of the paint manufacturer, where inhalation of dry pigment could be possible if appropriate measures were not taken. As a consequence CEPE members set stringent workplace exposure limits and hygiene requirements. We take this seriously and workers exposed to cadmium pigments are required to have periodic testing to determine their blood levels of the element.
What is the CEPE organisation that you refer to?
The European artists’ colours association (CEPE) is the member organisation that represents paint, ink and artists’ colours manufacturers in Europe. Here in the UK the cadmium debate is of particular concern and interest to CEPE members. It is CEPE who quietly get on ‘behind the scenes’ ensuring that Europe remains the sustainable home of fine art materials.
Is Cadmium a new addition to an artist’s palette?
Definitely not! Cadmium pigments were discovered around 1820 and first used commercially for artists’ use by the mid 1840′s. The cost and scarcity of the metal kept their use relatively limited in mainstream artists’ materials until the 1920′s. Their introduction provided unequalled hues in the yellow to deep red range, in terms of brightness, strength, beauty and light-fastness.
Are artists amongst the world’s big polluters?
The artist fraternity has probably been caught with a punch intended for a much bigger boxer! There are a number of initiatives regarding the long term environmental impact of cadmium in landfills and water courses. The landfill issue is largely the result of the use of soluble cadmium compounds in battery manufacture and the sheer numbers of spent batteries in the waste stream. However, for the purposes of reducing the potential for cadmium compounds leaching out of landfills, cadmium from all sources is of concern to the agencies regulating waste disposal. Any cadmium-containing waste that releases the metal is considered hazardous waste. Perhaps it is these other issues that have brought cadmium to the fore now and the art world are simply an innocent bystander?
What is to stop the EU cadmium ban going ahead?
CEPE has an excellent relationship with regulators including the European Chemical Agency ECHA who genuinely will listen to informed and constructive contributions. If artists and manufacturers present evidence that artists can be relied upon to dispose of the small quantities of cadmium waste from paint in a responsible manner and not down the sink, it is not impossible that a dispensation could be made for Artists’ paints.
Who is leading the campaign?
Whilst not leading an identifiable campaign, members of the European artists’ colours association met in Brussels last month to consider how they might respond to the European Union’s changing attitude towards Cadmium pigments. We will not be standing outside any foreign embassies with placards, but we do feel a strong responsibility to at least consult with artists. Hence this conversation.
Why is Cadmium so important?
Cadmium hues range from pale to golden deep yellows; light fiery to deep oranges through to light bright scarlet to deep reds and maroons. These brilliant pigments are loved for their strength, purity and light fast properties. Some artists prefer more descriptive and perhaps more illustrative adjectives such as zingy, joyous and singing colours!
Cadmium yellow paint being made
Are there alternatives?
Yes but they are limited and generally poor relations. Although the properties of alternative organic pigments are in many ways similar to cadmium colours, they are not identical in every respect. Variations include how the colours mix to create new colours, strength, opacity and purity.
Couldn’t I just make my own?
The same restrictions will ultimately apply to us all wanting to make cadmium colours; whether in the factory or in the private studio. If a ban is applied to us professional paint makers, you will probably find it impossible to get hold of cadmium pigments. The sustainability of cadmium on artist’s palette will depend upon continuing demand for the pigment in other industries too. Only a small percentage of cadmium pigments are used in the production of artists’ colours. The overwhelming majority is used in the plastics and packaging industry, where the pigment offers great stability when subjected to the high heat. That’s why it is used in the coloured glaze for certain cooking dishes! I feel certain other industries too will also be putting their best foot forward!
Why is CEPE so concerned about the ban?
We fear that if this somewhat underwhelming case is accepted, it makes no recognition of the generally high standards demanded by artists and paint makers and leads the way to further bans of even safer pigments in the future. CEPE members also fear that should European manufacturers lose the right to use Cadmium pigments, inferior products (without the generally high environmental standards expected within Europe) will be imported and remain in circulation.
What happens next?
The dossier handed to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has been accepted at this preliminary stage as being worthy of merit for consideration. ECHA has started a public consultation exercise lasting six months until 19th September of this year.
What are the possible outcomes?
The worst-case scenario is that Cadmiums could be banned within a couple of years, which in the view of many of us in the industry is both distressing and entirely unnecessary. If it did come into effect, the tap would be turned off the supply of pigment and we would see the remaining stock pass through the supply chain until it is gone.
Is there a petition to sign?
We are not organising a petition as mass numbers don’t help or inform ECHA greatly. What is helpful is an understanding on how artists handle residual paint from brushes and tubes and indeed how much paint is wasted. In addition anecdotal stories on the power and beauty of cadmium colours and the influence on the selling price of a painting would also be relevant.
How can individual artists have their say?
ECHA would like to hear from artists who use Cadmium pigments in acrylic, oil or water colour to gauge what level of risk this represents. They would like to build up a view of the experiences of users so they can constructively contribute to the debate in a genuinely informed way. For example they would like to discover how much Cadmium paint is left when old tubes and tins are discarded and how much paint is wasted when brushes and palettes are cleaned? A recent study in the USA estimated that less than 5% of all cadmium paints fails to reach the canvas. Do artists feel that is a fair estimate? ECHA are also likely to be interested to hear if Cadmium paints add value to paintings by their strength, vibrancy and longevity.
How can I have my say?
If you would like to comment on this proposed change, please visit www.echa.europa.eu/restrictions-under-consideration
What is the deadline for contributions?
No time like the present! Submissions in the next few weeks would be most effective.
When will we find out if cadmium has survived?
The consultation ends in September after which the ECHA will retire for several months’ discussion during which time the committee members cannot be lobbied or contacted.
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You can also discuss this article on our blog.
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I dispare, what the heck is going on, there are bombs being dropped all over the world, they are ruining rain forests for lithium in battery cars that no one wants, computers and metals being dumped in places like China, along with burning electric wiring ( very good for the environment ) and what do they focus on!!!! o.o2 grams of cadmium diluted in water!!!! don't these people have better things to do and more dangerous materials to stop!!!!
these are the people that stopped 4 star petrol because of lead, replacing it with Benzine, which is far more dangerous ( in fact they have now decided that diesel is now far far worse than 4 star!!! after persuading every body to buy diesel cars!!!!! )
these people just make things worse in every sense. wouldn't surprise me if they don't suggest replacing Cadmium with Uranium !!!!!!!
rant over, I'm stocking up on cadmium paint!!!!
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Aren't you so pleased there`s people working tirelessly to ensure our safety and wellbeing?
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As said by that great philosopher Sir Edmund Blackadder IV
Blackadder : Well Baldrick, pull my trousers down and spank me with a spatula, these men of science probably think we can't get up in the morning and manage to put our socks on our feet!!!!
Baldrick: Hands, my Lord
Blackadder: WHAT !!!
Baldrick: I think the expression is "manage to put our socks on our hands" My Lord
Blackadder : My point exactly Baldrick!!!!
Baldrick: Shall I get the spatula now, My Lord
Black adder: Oh very well !!!!!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Join the club lads, Emperor Obama's people have banned the import of all sable brushes because one type of sable is on the endangered list.
Reductio ad absurdiam...the Erie Pennsylvania Museum of Art hold painting classes...BUT...you can only use water based oils as it is a "Green" community and will not allow oil paints in the facility. For those of you who have never tried water based oils...its like trying to paint with snot.
One can only wonder what the Sistine Chapel would look like had it been done in acrylics....
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OH Ek ill have to start painting with snot then! ;D hey Roger point taken mate but hey RoHs compliance Wee compliance etc
(I'm working in quality) is ok but this bit about Cadmium Just a Bit OTT me thinks :o
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OH Ek ill have to start painting with snot then! ;D hey Roger point taken mate but hey RoHs compliance Wee compliance etc
(I'm working in quality) is ok but this bit about Cadmium Just a Bit OTT me thinks :o
Gerry, from my experience of H&S, COSHH, etc. etc. the more of this nonsense that is pushed out the more likely people are to say what a load of b*ll*cks and ignore it, ultimately putting themselves at real risk.
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Give me a brake >:( More liberal crap from a bunch of Cry Babbies :'( I would buy all that paint I could get and tell them to stick it up where the sun don't shine >:(
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They banned cellulose/nitro paint for cars quite a few years ago .I used tons of it for painting little metal trucks and taxis in pantone colors for promo company give aways .I did them by the thousands per month.I was worried about getting supplies and if I would have to convert to 2K paint which needs airfed masks etc.I had no problem up to when I retired and when I checked the auto store yesterday they were still selling the special mixer bottles I used so just ignore all rules because everyone else will .You will find lots of ways round it ad the rules only apply to EU made products .Just buy a large tube or two to put away .I bought a tiny tube of alazarin crimson in about 1975 and its still only about a quarter used.It cost me 14 UKP way back then .A fortune.
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There was a similar crisis a number of years ago with all of the colors with Mars in the name going away. I have also heard of issues with Burnt Sienna and how it is produced such that production may cease of that color as well.
I still have a number of Mars Brown/Red etc. and plenty of Burnt Sienna as well to last me into the afterlife. Fortunately we use such small amounts and the manufacturers adapt.
I have more of a an issue with paint lines going west such as lovely Floquils which were my paint of choice for plastic models. Humbrols now have a new formula etc, etc.
Part of the hobbyist life it seems.
mark 8)
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Yes, there are always a few spoilsport.
Even if it goes well for all our.
But times goose variably, you take the painted figures as Lolly rubs her or you skin so a.
Even as a child learns this, do forbidden things especially fun.
In this sense, I suppose even a nose full of turpentine fragrance,
long as there is this middle ...... :o :o ;)
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I wonder how much of the lead from the paints has ended up in the water system over the last 500 years...and we're still here and we did it without organisations like the EU...give me strength! It's time to stock up.
Simon
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Well for now it looks OK, just received this
Cadmium Ban News
By Julie Caves · On December 16, 2014
Good news!
We have just heard from Howard Oakley, the artist who submitted a lengthy technical paper to the EU about the proposed cadmium ban in artists paints, that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have decided to not go ahead with the ban, for now at least. The efforts of all who left comments on their website and got the word out to other artists means we will have the colours so many of us need for our work.
The ECHA concluded that artist’s paints are a minor contribution to the overall cadmium input with a negligible level of risk and “that the proposed restriction is not justified because in reducing the risks from cadmium in artists’ paints alone, this restriction under REACH is not considered to be the most appropriate EU wide measure”.
Dr Oakley mentions his concern that while many individual artists wrote opinions, very few organizations presented arguments or studies. He says: “I fear that this is not the last such threat. Cadmium will return, and cobalt and other substances will reach the agenda in the future. If there is no-one prepared to present the case for painters in the UK or EU, we will always be easy targets.”
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Yippee, only problem now is the price of Cadmium has increased!!! :(
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It stands to reason Nick. If Cad is being legislated away, there's less economic incentive to to keep it in production. Those that still use it will likely pay a premium.
Jus' sayin'
Glen
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1. No problem for painters of flat, usually one tube lasts for many years !!! so buy one pair of each colour for your life time, irrespective of your age.
2. Why is this group not banning tobacco and cigarets, much more nicive to health. I would sign this ban immediately.
3. I feel happy that they do'nt ban canvas paintings done already (in case of fire), that contains so many toxic substances since over 1,000 years on the planet European area in museas...