I am getting a rash from the chemicals! But I dont think any of them have metol in them. I am using Agfa Multicontrast Developer, Ilford Stop, and Agfa Agefix Fixer. Which one of these is giving me the rash? Also if I sit in hot water for some minutes it helps to reduce the rash -- I guess the chemicals get out of the skin that way...

-- Russell Brooks (russell@ebrooks.org), August 06, 2001

Answers

The only time I ever got a rash from photo chemicals was 30 years ago when I worked in a commercial microfilm darkroom and had my hands in the soup several times per day. I always assumed the rash was from metol in the developer. I started wearing gloves and the problem went away and has not recurred. These days I occasionally get fingers and thumbs in various chemicals, but the only effect seems to be dry, chapped skin. I'm careful to wear gloves with chemicals that are known to be toxic: amidol, pyro, bleaches, toners. I use Ansco 120 a lot, which is a metol-only developer, and do not get a rash from handling it, though I do try to minimize direct contact. Perhaps the Agfa rep can tell us if Multicontrast developer has metol in it (what does it say on the package?).

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), August 06, 2001.

Russell:

Metol isn't the only developing agent that can cause problems with a skin rash. Hydroquinone and even phenidone, though less irritating than metol, can also cause such a problem for some people. Therefore, I would recommend following Ed's suggestion of using gloves, but remember that some people are allergic even to the materials used in making the gloves.

-- Ken Burns (kenburns@twave.net), August 06, 2001.

I had the same problem several years ago, reaction to dektol and Ilford Multigrade developer. I tried rubber gloves, but I found them much too prone to contamination. I switched to Ethol LPD and haven't had a problem since. I also use tongs to handle work prints and test strips. I only use my hands when handling a final print. That usually results in getting in the developer maybe 6 times per session. I also hold a tray of fresh water in the sink and rinse and dry my hands after each run through the dev, stop, fix.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@att.net), August 07, 2001.

So if I am hearing right then it could be my developer even if it has an active agent other than metol. Ok, so I will look out for that. But could it be that the fixer could cause rashes as well or is it only developer?
I guess I could solve most of the rash problem by wearing long sleeves and long pants... But then it's just too damn uncomfortable!

-- Russell Brooks (russell@ebrooks.org), August 07, 2001.

use tongs and dont touch your peepee.-J

-- josh (oper_33@yahoo.com), August 07, 2001.

I strongly recommend "Nitrile" disposable gloves. You can buy them at medical supply houses for around $10-12/100. They are far superior to latex and relatively cheap and easy to get. I don't mind wearing them at all as they don't bind like rubber. Your condition could get signicantly worse as the allergic reaction is often cumulative and progressive.

-- Phil Glass (phi_glass@yahoo.com), August 08, 2001.