This presentation explores the often-overlooked health and safety hazards found in medieval and traditional crafts, from illuminated manuscripts to blacksmithing, herbal remedies, stained glass, and beyond. Designed especially for reenactors, historical crafters, and artisans, it identifies over 30 of the most common hazardous materials used historically and explains how those risks can still affect modern practitioners today.

​

Topics include:

• Toxic pigments, glazes, and dyes

• Heavy metals, caustics, and biologics (including blood, urine, and animal products)

• Respiratory risks from wood dusts, mold, and stone carving

• Hidden dangers in cosmetics, food preparation, and “natural” ingredients

• Routes of exposure: inhalation, absorption, ingestion, and infection

• Practical safety practices using the Hierarchy of Control model

• Special considerations for at-risk populations and public demos

• How to identify unknown or mislabeled materials using modern tools

This is not a call to avoid historical methods, but a resource to help you work more safely and confidently with them. Hazard ≠ Risk! The goal is to empower artisans with knowledge, not discourage them. History is beautiful, and your health matters too!