Digital BW, The Print

On Jun 26, 2005, at 2:45 PM, Paul Roark wrote:

> Although carbon particles are suspected carcinogens when inhaled,  
> I've never
> heard that ink on the fingers is a risk.  Is there any evidence of  
> this?

Hi, Paul

There are a few obvious substances that could prove fatal with even  
one exposure- HIV, cyanide, arsenic, for example.  Anything else,  
even if it falls in the
"suspected carcinogen" category, poses little threat with the rare  
exposure.  So, unless someone is planning to get ink on their hands  
day after day after day,  the risk is probably exceedingly small. I  
just wear hospital gloves when I fill carts, but just to avoid the  
staining, not because I'm worried about the toxicity of the ink.   
Charcoal from outdoor grilling has been shown to be carcinogenic,  
apparently, but most people will continue to risk burgers, if they're  
so inclined.

James