Facts About Photographic Chemicals
Chemicals used in the development of film and photos often contain hazardous ingredients and should be treated as hazardous waste.
- According to the U.S. EPA, a hazardous waste is “a waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.”
- Some photochemical manufacturers will provide you with a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and some are even available online and can be used to determine which chemicals may be safer alternative to others.
- Not all developers are created equally hazardous, so be sure to research before setting up your own darkroom.
- Don’t assume that “organic” means “safe.” Organic options may be less toxic, but that is not the same as non-toxic, and they must still be disposed of carefully.
- Heavy metals are found in a variety of photographic materials ranging from fixers, stabilizers and toners, to film and photo paper. When the metals from these materials become introduced into our water supplies from improper disposal methods, the result can be deadly. These metals, particularly mercury and selenium have kill fish, birds and other wildlife.
- Some photographers have devoted their careers to the environmental movement. They have been instrumental in showing the public the harm we cause and also the beauty we can choose to preserve.
- Whether purchasing photographs, or the materials to make your own, look for products from companies who creating or using eco-friendly materials.
