Of the several Pyro formulations, which...

[Gerald C Koch]

I would caution against using pyrogallol based developers like PMK. If a staining developer is desired then use one based on catechol which is somewhat less toxic. Pyrogallol is a cumulative poison. Better still avoid both. Avoid releasing either one into the environment.

After the discovery of the developing properties of pyrogallol in 1832 and its widespread use beginning in the 1850's it began to be noticed that photographers on average had a shorter lifespan than other vocations. This has been codified and called 'the darkroom disease.' The evidence is strong enough that pregnant women are cautioned not to do any darkroom work.

The following article is one of many on the web.

http://www.idosi.org/wjms/8(2)13/6.pdf

 

[1kgcoffee]

Thanks for the article, Gerald.

This was one of my main fears about the darkroom, damage to CNS and shorter lifespan. Fixer smells threatening, anyone who cares about their health would be worried.

But I'm not sure that darkroom disease has much to do with pyrogallol? Yes it is extremely toxic and I use pyrocat precisely for this reason. But darkroom disease is associated with glutaraldehyde, known to cause crosslinking of proteins. Acetylaldehyde, the toxic metabolite of alcohol is similarly toxic. Darkroom disease sounds like hangover x 100. Of course, pyrogallol can do the same as it creates reactive oxygen species in the body, but seems to be linked more to cancer than any mystery illness. I personally believe that a healthy person can handle small quantities without any ill-effect. And have you heard of hormesis? It is the phenomenon of a small quantity of toxic chemicals triggering health benefits in a person.

If it spills or gets into the air then you have real reason to worry!!!

 

[Gerald C Koch]

If it spills or gets into the air then you have real reason to worry!!!

That is a problem with one form of pyrogallol. I can be supplied as coarse granules or as a fluffy powder. Obviously if the powder becomes airborne you have a problem.

 

[removedacct1]

Do any of the current developer formulations we use include glutaraldehyde, I wonder?

 

[MattKing]

The "Darkroom Disease" referred to in that paper originated from X-ray darkrooms. X-ray film and processing is significantly different than the processes used by those of us who work with pictorial films.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

The "Darkroom Disease" referred to in that paper originated from X-ray darkrooms. X-ray film and processing is significantly different than the processes used by those of us who work with pictorial films.

There is nothing unique about x-ray film processing. The same chemicals are used as in pictorial photography. X-ray technicians were sampled because there was a large enough group working in the same environment to do a statistical analysis.

 

[MattKing]

There is nothing unique about x-ray film processing. The same chemicals are used as in pictorial photography. X-ray technicians were sampled because there was a large enough group working in the same environment to do a statistical analysis.

To the contrary Gerald, those X-ray developers tend to have really high activity, and are often used at fairly high temperatures. The machines were often in small enclosed spaces and were often set up to ensure fast processing. So their environmental impact was/is potentially severe.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Ever hear about nitrile gloves?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

 

[john_s]

There's lots to read about pyrogallol.

https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/pyrogallol_508.pdf#search=pyrogallol

 

[DREW WILEY]

Lots of X-ray capture is now digital. But hospital X-ray facilities used to be routinely on the radar of the EPA due to high volumes of several chemicals. Pyro is known to be nasty; but in modest darkroom use it should be easy to control. Rubber gloves, good ventilation, and don't vaporize it by mixing in hot water. Some of you probably routinely encounter worse chemicals in your garden or shop without realizing the risk.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Since I am careful with darkroom chemicals, I am more afraid of the crap I clean the house with to be honest. Ever read what goes in some of that crap? Brutal.

Simple solution for darkroom work with chemicals like Pyrogallol is to buy it premixed and use gloves and precautions. Old timers used to stick their hands in the stuff. Frankly, I am amazed when I see anyone put their hands in developers or fixers. People still do it all the time.

 

[DREW WILEY]

Look up what goes into nail polish. It would be illegal to sell in a paint store, and is classified as toxic waste in landfills.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

The solvent used in nail polish is ethyl acetate. While it is irritating to mucous membranes it is consideed one of the safest solvents. It is broken down to ethyl alcohol and acetic acid in the body.

 

[Ian Grant]

Since I am careful with darkroom chemicals, I am more afraid of the crap I clean the house with to be honest. Ever read what goes in some of that crap? Brutal.

Talking of other "non" photographic toxic chemicals I'm actually suffering from quite an acute allergic eczema attack (scalp, neck, ear) from PPD in hair dye, and I used gloves to apply it (for my wife) no direct contact as I used the correct gloves but the smell/fumes were noticeably strong. What's surprising is there's no MSDS sheets for the dye or warnings it contains PPD.

Now PPD is or rather has been used photographically and the warnings were always very clear, Johnsons a British company made many excellent developers containing Meritol a PPD/Pyrocatechin fusion.

Ian

 

[Tony-S]

The following article is one of many on the web.

http://www.idosi.org/wjms/8(2)13/6.pdf

That work is rather poorly designed so I don't think it has much, if any, credibility.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

A study done by the English government found that there was an increased risk of bladder cancer for women who dyed their hair black. The dying agent was the photographer's old friend paraphenylene diamine.

 

[Ian Grant]

A study done by the English government found that there was an increased risk of bladder cancer for women who dyed their hair black. The dying agent was the photographer's old friend paraphenylene diamine.

British Government maybe We don't have devolved government in England, so there is no English Government, only Wales and Scotland have devolution

After 2 weeks the effects caused by the PPD(fumes) have not quite cleared up, it was due to be banned in hair dyes but that seems to have been quietly dropped.

Ian