Doc Sarah is the self-described “Guild Cheerleader and Web Tinkerer” for the PAPCG (Philadelphia Area Polymer Clay Guild) and as her username indicates, a medical doctor.   Recently, in a discussion about the safety of polymer clay, and concerns over the fumes released when it burns, she had this to say:

“The fumes of burning clay are an airway irritant. (The burning generates a low level of hydrochloric acid in gaseous form.) Basically that’s a fancy way to say the fumes stink and cause irritation. It is short lived. Of course children have smaller airways and may be more sensitive so it’s a good idea to keep up the ventilation to dilute the air. (if there is a risk of burning.) But don’t worry, there is no hidden toxic effect or delayed issue. If you don’t have any problems now, you won’t have any. Furthermore, if there is any irritation, when it’s gone it’s gone. You can’t take a product certified non-toxic and do anything to it to make it toxic. Burning will make it an irritant, but NOT a toxin per se (using medical definitions.)”

Doc Sarah is a helpful and sensible voice on the Polymer Clay Central forums, and she would probably want me to remind you that it is a good idea to wear some sort of dust mask when working with any mica powders or other particulate matter.  That will keep your lungs happy and smiling like the ladies she made from her first face cane!  (pictured above – she gives Barbara McGuire credit for helping her over come her face cane fears!)

Visit the PAPCG Guild’s blog at: http://papcg.wordpress.com/