Do you craft with Cassette or VCR tape?
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Original Post
I am currently doing research on the purported hazards of inhalation of "sticky shed' or 'black dust" created when the magnetic particles slough off the tape.
I want to discuss this with other crafters...have you experienced this "dust" before? Do you wear a respirator (some do I am told).
have you found any links or articles about this health issue? Please share.
Posted at 11:58am Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Responses
For more inf that concerns not only You the artisan, but also your customers read here:
www.flickr.com/groups/plastic/discuss/72157624120579841/
Posted at 12:03pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Wow, that's interesting....nice that you posted it!
Posted at 12:17pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
I've worked with the stuff extensively and have experienced the 'shed' that you are speaking of with the audio tape.
You can see photos of the work that was done here.
www.flickr.com/photos/crochetgal/sets/72157620935430212/
But the worse problem was the fact that the tape has a very sharp fine edge and left some very fine cuts on my hands.
Posted at 12:43pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Well, I don't want to scare anyone...but I want to find out...a dear friend just sent me an 18 pound box worth of tape...I had thought to crochet it. I started doing research, and came up with several links alluding to this problem.
Posted at 12:44pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Hi Maryanne, I have to say I have NOT experienced any shedding, the VCR tape I use seems so plastic, I have not had any discoloration on my hands after crocheting. Maybe there is a difference between the audio tape and the VCR tape?
Posted at 12:54pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Well most of the info I have found is about VCR tape, as its black, and cassette tape is weak...thus used less i have found in crafting.
VCR tape is thicker, and more durable for crafts. it also comes in various qualities...depending on the brand. The age of, and how magnetic tapes were stored over time also haver something to do with the deterioration factors.
According to this very detailed multi page Archival link...all magnetic tapes will eventually break down and shed...which leaves me to worry about customers, pets, and children potentially absorbing metal toxins through lungs and or skin. The metals are cobalt, chromium, and iron. There are also the binding agents that break down and shed off. Mold too can be a factor. It sticks to the tapes digesting adhesives.
www.videointerchange.com/tape.htm
Posted at 1:06pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
I've been crafting with cassette tape since last summer and have not experienced "shedding" of any sort, honestly. Nothing weird on my hands, and also no small cuts.
I think it's super interesting that we can all have such different experiences with the same material. Thanks for bringing this up!
Posted at 1:10pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
people who work daily with video transfer, and or archiving magnetic tapes repeatedly speak of this sticky shed, and black dust. You can read more posted at the link I opened with because I just added more info.
Posted at 1:32pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT
Anyone else ...? I am hoping for some leads or links, or experience with this.
Posted at 4:47pm Jun 12, 2010 EDT