All artists, namely painters should read this and consider what the potential ban on cadmium pigments means to them and contact the ECHA. I will be hastily writing to them as other yellows do not cut the mustard like cadmium yellow. The ban will be considered next month so act now to save cadmium paints. I’m going to stock up now!
If you would like to comment on this proposed change, please visit http://www.echa.europa.eu/restrictions-under-consideration.
Yellow paint tube carried by my daughters school in Brighton Children’s Parade 2014
Photo courtesy of Andrew Roach Photography. Painting the Brighton Rainbow Crossing earlier this year.Save cadmium paint!
The following excerpt taken from:
Cadmium in Crisis!
By Julie Caves · On May 7, 2014, Jackson’s Art Blog
http://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2014/05/07/cadmium-crisis/
Cadmium in Crisis!
There is a possibility that Cadmium Pigments will be banned by the EU.
The authorities concerned, however, are currently assessing the situation and taking on comments from the public.
We know that a ban would affect many of our customers so we are writing to you in the hope that you can help us raise awareness of this issue and we are asking as many artists as possible to visit the ECHA (European Chemical Agency) website to give their opinions on the use, unique characteristics and handling of these special paints.
Below is an article written by our friend Michael Craine, from Spectrum Paints, who expains all the issues. We invite you to read his article before passing comment on the ECHA website.
What are the possible outcomes?
The worst-case scenario is that Cadmiums could be banned within a couple of years, which in the view of many of us in the industry is both distressing and entirely unnecessary. If it did come into effect, the tap would be turned off the supply of pigment and we would see the remaining stock pass through the supply chain until it is gone.
Is there a petition to sign?
We are not organising a petition as mass numbers don’t help or inform ECHA greatly. What is helpful is an understanding on how artists handle residual paint from brushes and tubes and indeed how much paint is wasted. In addition anecdotal stories on the power and beauty of cadmium colours and the influence on the selling price of a painting would also be relevant.
How can individual artists have their say?
ECHA would like to hear from artists who use Cadmium pigments in acrylic, oil or water colour to gauge what level of risk this represents. They would like to build up a view of the experiences of users so they can constructively contribute to the debate in a genuinely informed way. For example they would like to discover how much Cadmium paint is left when old tubes and tins are discarded and how much paint is wasted when brushes and palettes are cleaned? A recent study in the USA estimated that less than 5% of all cadmium paints fails to reach the canvas. Do artists feel that is a fair estimate? ECHA are also likely to be interested to hear if Cadmium paints add value to paintings by their strength, vibrancy and longevity.
How can I have my say?
If you would like to comment on this proposed change, please visit http://www.echa.europa.eu/restrictions-under-consideration
What is the deadline for contributions and opinions?
No time like the present! Submissions in the next few weeks would be most effective.
When will we find out if cadmium has survived?
The consultation ends in September after which the ECHA will retire for several months’ discussion during which time the committee members cannot be lobbied or contacted.
