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Can you use Gamsol or Odorless Mineral Spirits if you are pregnant?
I saw this on the inkyantics website for their blender pencil.
"Lyra Splender Blending Pencil
For blending colored pencils, Gamsol is our preferred medium. However, for those who are pregnant or nursing (or cannot use solvent-based products for other reasons), the Lyra Splender pencil is the best alternative we've found."
:confused:
I never thought that stamping was a dangerous hobby. Any thoughts on this?
I saw this on the inkyantics website for their blender pencil.
"Lyra Splender Blending Pencil
For blending colored pencils, Gamsol is our preferred medium. However, for those who are pregnant or nursing (or cannot use solvent-based products for other reasons), the Lyra Splender pencil is the best alternative we've found."
:confused:
I never thought that stamping was a dangerous hobby. Any thoughts on this?
I just looked on the can of my GAMSOL and it mentions nothing about pregnancy. It just says "AVOID LONG CONTACT WITH SKIN AND BREATHING VAPOR. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. It did say GAMSOL was alot safer to work around than mineral spirits. I've never smelled anything with my gamsol and I work in a room that I never open the windows.
DO NOT USE GAMSOL IF YOU ARE PREGNANT! It is TOXIC! Even if you are not pregnant - make ssure you wash your hands after using it and do not eat while using it. I will see if I can find something else that confirms all this.
Somebody (back when we were all frantically buying Prismas and Gamsol) found the risk sheet (that's not the technical term, but I'm tired!) for OMS. Just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean it isn't there and dangerous. BUT, it seemed like it wasn't as dangerous as some other common household chemicals. For goodness sake, don't bathe in it or anything. ;-) But leave a window open; use it with the dauber top bottle instead of a larger open container; don't use it for extended periods of time.
Does anybody else remember this discussion before? Where is that information? I'm sure I'm not quoting it very accurately.
Somebody had a post explaining that you shouldn't use gamsol if you are preganant becuae it is either Toxic or Hazardous even though you can;t smell it. I tried a search, but couldn't find it. If I find something I will post it.
I've used GAMSOL for several years...in a 9 x 12 room...an upstairs bedroom...never opened the windows...and I'm fine...however I'm NOT pregnant!!..What quantities are you people using? I have an artist jar and a sponge...I maybe have 2 tablespoons at the most in there!!!! I use a stump and it never gets on my skin...maybe a finger...and I still have that finger and my skin....JUST ASKING????????? Maybe you're using a different brand or using the gallon container????
I've used GAMSOL for several years...in a 9 x 12 room...an upstairs bedroom...never opened the windows...and I'm fine...however I'm NOT pregnant!!..What quantities are you people using? I have an artist jar and a sponge...I maybe have 2 tablespoons at the most in there!!!! I use a stump and it never gets on my skin...maybe a finger...and I still have that finger and my skin....JUST ASKING????????? Maybe you're using a different brand or using the gallon container????
Just re-read my comment & I didn't want to sound rude,but it comes off that way!!!!
I've just never had any problem with the few tablespoons that I use at he time...but like I said...I'm not pregnant! I'm just QUOATING what was on the can of GAMSOL. Maybe email the manufacturer....www.gabblincolors.com
I have put my Mona Lisa OMS in a dauber top bottle. I will use it even if/when I'm pregnant, but very carefully. I have asthma issues, so that usually is a warning signal for me. :-) And I think *amounts* are critical, as is ventilation.
But it's not crazy to be worried about it--if you feel like you shouldn't use it when you're pregnant/nursing, then don't! That's God's way of telling *you* what *you* should do for *your* baby.
I don't breathe lots of paint fumes when I'm pregnant, but every once in a while, I get exposed to them. I guess in my mind it's in the same category. I don't use my Prismas and OMS *nearly* enough to cause any problems. <sigh> I sure paid a bunch for them, though!
It's like anything else labeled as 'toxic' or 'dangerous' to use/be near while pregnant or nursing. There are some that won't dye their hair or get their nails done while they're pregnant while others wouldn't give it a second thought. Some women think it's perfectly fine to paint the nursery without concern, while some might wear a face mask while doing it, and yet others wouldn't even consider doing it at all. It's definitely a personal decision - one that should be researched well and talked over with an OBGYN, who's the only one who can give any sound advice on the matter anyway.
That said, it is a highly toxic substance - just because it's 'odorless' doesn't mean it's perfectly safe. Personally, I'd avoid it. Either that or really, really limit my exposure. I'm in the 'it's better to be safe than sorry' camp and feel when in doubt, go without. ;) HTH
Natural Turpenoid also works and is nontoxic. I got mine at either Michael's or JoAnn's. You can get small bottles of it to try, in case you don't care for it.
I hadn't seen any of these warnings before I used this technique just a few weeks ago. I'm currently nursing & had no idea. I could not find Gamsol in Australia so I have been using an artist's grade odourless mineral spirit. It has no warnings such as these on the label other than not to swallow it & keep out of reach of children etc. I'm not particularly worried, but I guess it all boils down to what you are comfortable with.
I tried last night to find something more concrete that I could post on this issue. The only thing I saw is something that said GAMSOL is the least toxic out of the blending mediums (this was on an oil painting web site), but the key woird to me was toxic. It shocked me when I first started using Gamsol and came across that you shouldn't use it while pregnant - I wondered how many other things I use are "hazardous". I wasn't trying to be an alarmist, but when I started using Gamsol I had no idea that it may be harmful - now I know and I take certain precautions when using it.... I think these threads are good because it allows people to read about possible concerns we have about certain products and then you can do your own research and come up with your own conclusions about the product.
Has anyone spoken or discussed this with their OBGYN? I would think that they are the people in the best position to advice you on whether or not to use a particular product.
Call your local EPA, they should be able to tell you and provide you with info. Who knows you might come up with a wonderful alternative!
__________________ I'm Misti, and I've approved this message! MYGALLERY "Brace for Impact"-Capt. Sully "Brace for Impact"--Congress to America Proud mom of 2 soldiers-
Can you use Gamsol or Odorless Mineral Spirits if you are pregnant?
