Group assignment

Review the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials

Make and compare test casts with each of them

Sylgard(TM) 184 Silicone elastomer curing agent

silicone_elastomer

According to the technical datasheet for this product, it does not contain any hazardous agent.

The main safety indications are:


-If inhaled: move the person to a open area. If any effect is presented, consult a doctor.
-Skin contact: wash with water.
-Eye contact: wash with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses (if they are present) afeter 1 or 2 minutes and continue to wash with water. If any effect is developed, consult a doctor.
-Ingestion: no treatment required.
-In case of fire: water spary, alcohol resistant foam, CO2. Avoid chemical powder.
-Combustion by-products: silica, formaldehyde, carbon oxides.
-Dispose of it properly. Do not pour down the drain, on the ground, into sewers or regular trash. Consult about local regulations.
-Keep in a water free, low humidity and well ventilated environment. Use original container for storage.


Sheet gelatine

silicone elastomer

According to this wikipedia entry, gelatin or gelatine (from Latin: gelatus meaning "stiff" or "frozen") is a translucent, colorless, flavorless food ingredient, derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is brittle when dry and gummy when moist. It may also be referred to as hydrolyzed collagen, collagen hydrolysate, gelatine hydrolysate, hydrolyzed gelatine, and collagen peptides after it has undergone hydrolysis. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in food, medications, drug and vitamin capsules, photographic films and papers, and cosmetics.

Because this is a food product, it is not hazardous nor toxic. No special safety measures are required to manipulate this material.

Special care must be taken when preparing the gelatine because it must be mixed with boiling water. Main measure would be to use heat resistant gloves when preparing.

No measures needed for disposal either.


Plaster

plaster bag

Plaster is a common construction and crafts material widely available. It is relatively safe to manipulate and easy to wash. It may cause mild skin irritation in some cases.

According to the plaster datasheet this product is not expected to produce any unusual hazards during normal use. Exposure to high dust levels may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or upper respiratory tract.

Plaster is water soluble. It is prepared with water, and dries quickly.

Disposal requires no special measures. According to the datasheet:

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: Toxicity studies performed with fish, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic plants showed no toxic effect.

Ingestion: no treatment required.

In case of:

-Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Leave the area of exposure and remain away until coughing and other symptoms subside. Other measures are usually not necessary, however if conditions warrant, contact physician.
-Eyes: In case of contact, do not rub or scratch your eyes. To prevent mechanical irritation, flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, consult physician.
-Skin: To prevent the drying effect of plaster of paris, wash with mild soap and water. A commercially available hand lotion may be used to treat dry skin areas. If skin has become cracked, take appropriate action to prevent infection and promote healing. If irritationpersists, consult physician.
-Ingestion: Plaster of paris hardens and, if ingested, may result in obstruction of the gut, especially the pyloric region. Drinking gelatin solutions or large volumes of water may delay setting.