Question on selenium safety

So I think Ive read just about every selenium safety thread I could find on here, and I know, there are a lot, but I still have a slight concern. My bathroom is darkroom and I do all my "wet" stuff in the tub and my print washing in the kitchen sink. Now I have a cat that loves to roll around in the tub and drink up any stray water in sinks or tubs. I've always been very careful with my developing and also when using cleaners. Is there enough selenium in washer run off for kirchen sink washing to be a bad idea? Do I need to take any extra cleanup precautions above and beyond any other normal strong household cleaner/chemicals? Basically I'm just nervous with using more toxic chemicals and am looking to have my concerns put to rest

Thanks in advance,
Aaron

PS-I'll be using Kentmere Rapid Selenium Toner if that makes a difference.

Personally, I wouldn't have any concern about the runoff because you are going to have a relatively long wash anyway. If it makes you nervous, just flush the tub at the end of the session with plenty of fresh water.

And close the door when you are done to keep the cat out. Might save you some spotting later if there was less hair and dander anyway...

Thanks RW. Since I don't have an actual darkroom set-up, I just worry sometimes about slacking off and one of my cats getting sick I guess better to be safe than sorry right?

Aaron

Common sense is the 1st rule.
The most annoying/dangerous thing from selenum is the ammonia smell, which your cat may really really not like.
I do not know which size of prints you want to tone, but if you are doing 8x10s or smaller a spaguetti container maybe your best firend. Roll the print, dip it in the toner and close the lid. Then take the print out, let the toner drip and dunk it in HCA solution and wash.
The amounts of residual selenium in water would be in the smae order as those in Centrum vitamins, so your cat may have more beautiful nails and hair.

If your sink or tub is white, or a very light colour, then you would probably notice any selenium that has not been flushed out by a red stain once it has dried.

titrisol said:

The amounts of residual selenium in water would be in the smae order as those in Centrum vitamins, so your cat may have more beautiful nails and hair.

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ROTFL... Too funny!

I'll be doing 8x10's and was planning on using a tray. Thank you for alleviating my concerns

snallan said:

If your sink or tub is white, or a very light colour, then you would probably notice any selenium that has not been flushed out by a red stain once it has dried.

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Thanks for the tip. My tub is white and the sink is brushed stainless so any stains or dried residues of anything show up very well.

titrisol said:

The amounts of residual selenium in water would be in the smae order as those in Centrum vitamins, so your cat may have more beautiful nails and hair.

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Or perhaps the selenium toning may warm that slightly greenish cast that some Kodabrome cats get...

The chemical form of Selenium in toners is different than that in Centrum. It is vital to remember that the actual chemical compound is critical in toxicity. An example is Barium Sulfate taken in "milkshakes" and enemas before a CAT scan (speaking of cats). It is harmless, but Barium is one of the most toxic heavy metals around. The sulfate ion makes the Barium inert.

So, the Selenium in toner, to do its job, is more reactive than that in Centrum and in a different way.

Porcelain is somewhat porous on some tubs and wash stands and can adsorb chemicals into the matrix. These chemicals can then stay around for a long time. That is why porcelain is no longer recommended for photogrpahic use. High gloss porcelain or enamelware will work ok, but if you see stains in your tub, that is a sign of its porosity adsorbing metals from the tap water. The difficulty removing the stain is an indicator of how resistant the selenium might be to removal.

A common rule is to keep chemicals out of the kitchen. Try to keep them out of the bathroom.

PE

seeing that your prints are already fixed, why not tone them away from
where people or pets might come into contact with your residual toner?
i don't use selenium because of its toxic nature ( i have kids and
i am on a septic system and live near a stream and a cove and ... ) i could go on and on ..

Photo Engineer said:

A common rule is to keep chemicals out of the kitchen. Try to keep them out of the bathroom.

PE

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right on ron!


john

Thanks for chiming in everyone Unfortunately, I live in a small apartment and I just don't have any other options other than the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, or a bedroom. I try to take every step possible to make sure everything is cleaned thoroughly after use but, I just don't have the option of a space that I can keep closed off from the rest of the apartment I really want to play with toning and eventually some alt processes but, if it can't be safely done, than I'll just have to wait.