mike_dial1

<p>I developed many serious health problems including CFS as a result of exposures to photographic chemicals. The chemicals used to process color films are very harmful with many side effects.<br> I cannot say photo chemicals affects all photographers because every-body is different. Did you know that some people can have adverse reaction just by inhaling a perfume? One must be “genetically predisposed.”<br> For example: George Burns, the vaudeville tv comedian, started smoking 10-20 cigars a day when he was 15 yet he lived to be a 100 yrs old. We all know that according to scientific studies, smoking or inhaling tobacco, can have adverse effects on your health. For most people, the effect is cumulative. For some, all it takes is a few puffs, or inhalation. The same for photo chemicals.<br> According to the Material safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Kodak E-6 Color Developer it contain “4-(N-ethyl-N-2-methanesulphonylaminoethyl)-2-methylphenylenediamine sesquisulphate monohydrate (25646-71-3), 2,2-Ethylenedithiodiethanol (5244-34-8), Sodium sulphite (7757-83-7)”, and “4-(N-ethyl-N-2-methanesulphonylaminoethyl)-2-methylphenylenediamine sesquisulphate monohydrate(25646-71-3), Citrazinic acid (99-11-6)”.<br> These photo chemicals are highly regulated and controlled ( with special labels and warnings ) when they are shipped, and stored, because they are corrosive, flammable, combustible, with harmful vapors. When these chemicals are used for processing color films, the Kodak MSDS warns not to breath the dust, fumes, or vapors, and to wear protective gloves, face/ eye, and clothing. Of course the chemicals may not be labeled as carcinogen but some of the side effects when one is exposed is kidney damage or death.<br> If you happen to accidentally spill any of these chemicals on the floor, you are required to call environmental safety, and they will respond with protective suite that makes them look like astronauts. They will probably look at you and wonder why you, the user, is not wearing the required protective mask, gloves, etc.<br> After you mix and use these chemicals, you cannot just dump them down the drain. They must be placed in special containers, and later disposed by specially trained and certified carriers. I know because I have worked with commercial, private, and military Photo Laboratories. Despite of the safety precautions I have later taken, I was still affected by the accumulated effects of being exposed to these very toxic and hazardous chemicals.</p>