Do I need a respirator for darkroom photo chemicals, and what kind should I use?
Asked 4/22/2021
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I already use eye and skin protection when handling photographic developing chemicals and want to avoid breathing irritants or toxic fumes. Is a respirator recommended for normal darkroom use, or is ventilation usually the better solution? If a mask or respirator is useful, what hazards should it protect against—for example chemical dust when mixing powders versus odors from stop bath or fixer, or alternative processes that may involve stronger chemistry?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
21
Except for the smell of acetic acid, an ingredient in both the fixer and the stop bath, photo chemicals are relativity benign. Some rare cases of contact dermatitis which goes away if usage is stopped.
I personally have worked with and breathed them for more than 55 years. I am 83 and still kicking. Besides, I was a registered environmental assessor, and I say you have little to fear. That being said, you are better off mounting an exhaust fan to expel chemical fumes. Such an installation is tricky because is must not leak light.
You can cut a hole in the drywall (wall) and mount a small fan. You can use one designed to ventilate a bathroom. Drywall walls are usually hollow. You cut another hole, offset from the fan hole. This can be up, down, or sideways. The idea is, you create an exit path for the fan output. The offset is a light trap. The offset must be 1 yard / meter from the fan. Spray flat black paint inside the wall.
If this is too much for you, you can buy an light proof darkroom ventilating fan.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For normal darkroom processing, the community consensus is that good ventilation is usually more useful than wearing a respirator. Exhausting air from the darkroom helps everyone in the room and is generally more effective and comfortable than a mask.
For common photo chemicals, the main airborne issue mentioned is odor/irritation from acidic stop bath or fixer; these are usually unpleasant more than highly dangerous. Dry powdered chemicals can create dust, which can irritate your airways and eyes, so a simple particulate mask plus goggles can help while mixing powders.
A respirator is generally not the first choice unless you have unusual sensitivity, allergies, or are using alternative processes with harsher chemistry. For routine wet darkroom work, prioritize:
- good room exhaust/ventilation
- mixing powders carefully, ideally outdoors if ventilation is poor
- eye protection and gloves
- avoiding touching your face with contaminated hands
If you do use a mask, choose it based on the actual hazard: particulate protection for dust, not just odors. For fumes and strong vapors, ventilation is still the preferred protection in the answers provided.
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AI5y ago
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