Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/04/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The fumes have nothing to do with selenium. It is sulpher dioxide created by the fixer which is also a component of Kodak's Rapid Selenium Fixer. And just because it contains selenium does not neccessarily mean it is dangerous. Several dandruff shampoos (Selsun Blue for example) contain selenium salts. And, selenium is needed in small quantities in everyone's diet. It is the powdered selenium metal used by people who like to mix things from scratch which is carcenogic, when inhaled. Just buy the Kodak stuff, and take standard protective procedures such as wearing gloves when using it, and you will be OK. Wearing gloves is a good idea when tooling around in the darkroom, in any case. Dan C. At 05:49 PM 03-04-99 +1000, you wrote: >I understand selenium is carcinogenic. > >Not only can it be absorbed through the skin, but the fumes also inhaled. > >I'd recommend good ventilation as well as gloves. > >Gareth > >-----Original Message----- >From: D Khong <dkhong@pacific.net.sg> >To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> >Date: Saturday, April 03, 1999 2:54 >Subject: Re: [Leica] Preserving prints and transparancies > > >> >>>> >Some toners, like selenium, can contribute to longevity of prints. I >>>> >believe sepia does not. >> >>I heard that Selenium toning involves handling a toxic chemical. How >>serious is this threat to human health? >> >>Dan K. > > >