Monona Rossol is a chemist, artist, and industrial hygienist. She is the founder and president of ACTS (Arts,
Crafts and Theater Safety), a not-for-profit corporation based in New York City dedicated to providing health and
safety services to the arts. She writes a monthly newsletter on government regulations and research that affect
the arts and theater, and she has published numerous articles in professional journals. She is the author of five
books, one of which, The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide, won a 1996 Choice Outstanding Academic Book
Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries.
She was born into a theatrical family and worked as a professional entertainer from ages three to seventeen. She
enrolled in the University of Wisconsin where she earned a B.S. in chemistry, an M.S. majoring in ceramics and
sculpture, and an M.F.A. with majors in ceramics and glassblowing and a minor in music. While in school, she worked
as a chemist, taught and exhibited art work, performed with University of Wisconsin music and theater groups, and
worked yearly in summer stock. After leaving school, she performed in musical and straight acting roles in Off
and Off Off Broadway theaters and cabaret.
As an artist, she was in the first glassblowing courses taught at the college level by Harvey Littleton. Her ceramics,
sculpture, and blown glass have been exhibited in more than forty group and four solo shows. She is a voting member
of the American Society of Testing and Materials subcommittee (ASTM D-4236) that sets toxicity labeling standards
for art materials
As an industrial hygienist, she worked seven years as a research chemist for the University of Wisconsin and a
year with an industrial research laboratory. She has been a full professional member of the American Industrial
Hygiene Association since 1984, and the health and safety director for Local 829 of the United Scenic Artists since
1995.
In 1980, Rossol developed and taught the first two college-level "Health Hazards in the Arts" courses
in the United States at the University of Wisconsin. She has now taught these courses throughout the United States,
Canada, and Australia. She taught the first recorded "Right to Know" OSHA training for theater in 1986
at La Cage Aux Folles in the Palace Theater in New York City, and specializes in OSHA training of art and theater
workers and teachers in the United States and Canada.
Rossol is a sought-after lecturer and consultant in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and Mexico.
She lives in New York City.
Review
�This comprehensive guide is highly recommended for any artist�s studio or art teacher�s classroom.�
--Library Journal.
�Highly recommended for individual artists, art teachers, and others with special interests in the arts.�
--American Public Health Association.
�Should be on every artist�s and craftworker�s studio reference shelf.�
--Crafts Report.
Allworth Press Web Site, April, 2002
Summary
New third edition! This classic art reference shows artists how to handle materials safely while practicing
their craft. Dozens of at-a-glance tables and charts present vital information about art materials, ingredients,
technical hazards, proper protective equipment, and safe work practices simply and accurately. This brand-new third
edition is now completely revised and expanded to detail lifesaving new safety and ventilation equipment, present
urgent new discoveries on toxins and pollutants found in arts and crafts materials, and explain the controversies
surrounding new government regulations. A virtual lifesaver for all art and craft workers.
