Awareness and Attitudes of Art Students and Lecturers on Health Hazards Associated With Fine and Applied Arts Making in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Art-making can pose significant risks to the health and safety of artists. Some art materials and equipment are hazardous. Objective: This article highlights the various hazards caused by the use of these materials in art-making and actions that could be taken to prevent it. Methods: We used documentary research approaches to find out and study the relevant literature sources and to analyze and synthesize the information got. Result: The results showed that art students and lecturers are not aware of the health hazards of art materials they use in their art practice, and they have a nonchalant attitude towards taking appropriate health precautions in the use of these art materials. We also observed that changing the attitudes of university art students, and lecturers on the health hazards involved in art-making would require several actions. Conclusion: The awareness of health hazards associated with art-making/studio practice is useful to help art students and lecturers to increase their health precautions in using art materials.