An Exploratory Study: Assessment of Modeled Dioxin in Ceramic Art Studies

Objective/Intended Use

The purpose of this project is to investigate the potential dioxin exposure to artists/hobbyists who use ball clay to make pottery and related products.

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to investigate the potential dioxin exposure to artists/hobbyists who use ball clay to make pottery and related products. This project will focus on artists working in a ceramics studio where exposure could occur via three pathways: particle inhalation, incidental ingestion and dermal contact. Levels of clay will be measured in the studio air, deposition surfaces and skin of artists. It is anticipated that no samples will need to be analyzed for dioxin. Rather, all samples will be analyzed for total clay levels and theoretical dioxin exposures would be estimated using information on historical measurements of dioxin levels in ball clay. Data gathering completed in 2004, internal review of report completed in Summer 2005, external peer review completed in 2007, final inn 2008.

Project Status

The QAPP has been submitted and approved. The Human Subjects Testing plan has been completed. The field tests were conducted in April 2003.