Hesperian Health Guides
Crafts
People often produce crafts at home, where they work alone. This makes them less likely to know of common health problems caused by their work and how to prevent them.
| Common Health Problems from Work with Crafts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft or skill | –––––––> | Problem | –––––––> | What to do |
| Pottery making | Lung diseases similar to those that miners get (fibrosis, silicosis) | Open windows and doors for better air flow. Blow air out with a fan if there is electricity. Wear a protective mask that keeps dust out. | ||
| Pottery painting | Lead poisoning | See “Lead poisoning”. | ||
| Sewing, embroidery, knitting, lace making, weaving | Eye strain, headaches, low back and neck pain, joint pain | If possible, increase the amount of light on your work and rest often. See “Sitting or Standing for a Long Time and “Repeating the Same Movement” | ||
| Work with wool, cotton, and other cloth | Asthma and lung problems from dust and fibers | Improve air flow (see above), and wear a mask that will not let fibers through. | ||
| Use of paints, dyes, solvents, and cleaners | Lead poisoning, lung diseases, kidney and bladder problems, skin problems, cancers | See the prevention information in “Work with Chemicals”. | ||
| Soap making | Skin irritation and burns | Use protective gloves and avoid contact with lye. | ||
This page was updated:13 Nov 2023