What I found to my amazement by researching through the net. Their is chemicals that cause sever allergic reactions which are hydroquinone and Metal (monomethyl p-aminophenol sulfate). These chemicals come from the developer when processing your film. I know that I touched the developer more then a few times since, I could not see in the dark room. Bare in mind this indeed was my first time being in it as well a partner for the first time. As well with a cut that I was not aware of until I open the lights. Which I cut myself from opening up the film roll in the darkroom. This increased my chances of getting the allergic reaction of dermatitis. They cause allergic dermatitis by the contact from the skin or wounds. From what I was experiencing from these chemicals first time processing this film, was the reddening burning itching sensation. I had a delayed reaction sometimes it cannot always happen right then and there which I got it during the night from my first post about Allergy Reaction with Photography Chemicals.
Since, narrowed down by research I can be allergic to these two chemicals. However with this reaction I got to still go back and continue. This is college and a requirement to go upper division in my degree, and I have to take the necessary precautions. No matter what you love and enjoy especially during these past two months focusing on my photography and being cautious their is some areas that stop you for awhile which is allergies. I have to wear gloves, and could not go to the darkroom open lab(when class is not in session, your own time) in the first few weeks. I did not want to cause much of a bigger reaction. Their is lab and it is required in class only spent the two the hours every week there even though, when I breathed the burning, stinging sensation into the darkroom it only lasted it quite a few moments when going back there. Yet, going back when I was ready, I did not breathe the burning, stinging sensation, it seemed to go away. My guess could be that I was still with the allergic reaction, that my body was reacting to especially with the air. Mostly I been going to every open lab since, their is filmed to be processed and print. I enjoy being in the darkroom, though it is not stopping me to continue developing film.
One thing to keep in mind when dealing with photography chemcials in the darkroom.
Before and After Tips:
- Wear gloves especially if you have a previous reaction.
- Possibly old clothes, not your nice clothes do not want to get splashed chemcials on them.
- Carry benadryl, if symptoms persist of an allergic reaction.
- Everytime I get home, put all your clothes in the laundry, since the smell can pentrate or any chemicals that may have been splashed on.
- Also, I go straight to the shower when I get home, gets rid of the smell in the hair and any possible chemicals that you may come in contact with the skin. As well makes you feel clean and fresh when get out of the shower.
- Drink plenty of water, replenish your system, from all the chemicals that you come in contact.
- Chemicals can be absorbed in the skin when in contact with photography chemicals. (Which is why usually skin contact dermaitis allergy reaction occurs)
- What you should use when in contact with the developer is the best affect to get it off is use pH-balanced soap. Anything that you find that has pH-balanced soap which washes it off from the developer chemical contact.
- Never eat, drink in the darkroom you do not want to ingest chemicals.
- Protect any open cuts.
- Contact who is in charge in the dark room if experience with an allergic reaction.
Thank you everyone, for the support. I wanted to keep this blog going every week though with the tragic that happened it just delayed everything by what was being planned. I am coming back on schedule and as planned. Since, not only the blog was delayed but going back to college the next day as well was pretty hard. A shock that I received of a tragedy of three close relatives, from a head on collision from a drunk driver was not the best news to receive on Feb. 06, 2012.
So I thank you, for your patience, and support. More blog posts to come! Will continue as scheduled! Thank you!!
Links & Resources used:
Personal Experience
Safe Handling Practices With Photographic Chemicals
Health Hazards with Photographic Chemicals