Please forgive me if this topic has been covered before, I'm about as new to taxidermy as it is possible to be; I even had to read the page 'What is taxidermy?' before I knew I was in the right place!
Basically, what I want to know is whether there is any danger attached to taxidermy? Although this might sound absurd, what with the creatures being dead, but if you are dealing with poisonous creatures, isn't there a chance that it could still pass on its venom as I've heard that some creatures have an automatic response to release venom as it's more of a mechanical reaction, rather than a conscious choice?
Like I say sorry if it's been covered before and for posting a possibly idiotic question, but that's non-taxidermists for you :)
Many thanks in advance.
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Search button on the left side of the screen? Click that,type in "Hazards" and you will find all you want to know.
Taxidermists have been mounting things for years what did they do 75 yrs. ago...the only danger was using arsenic way back then?
Personaly theres never an idiotic question, just alot of idiotic answers.lol To be honest yes it is true you have the dangers of venom being released from reptiles after they are deceased .or should I say the sooner you begin taxiying the reptile the more of a chance you can catch a loaded fang by accident. I dont wanna scare you but honestly taxidermy has alot of hazzards.Especially when painting or glossing in a non ventilated area. always wear a good respirator and have a paint booth and always wear sergical gloves and most of all let taxidermy be fun and a great learning experiance.There are alot of guys out there that are willing to help you out check out the archives under txidermy dangers for alot info. Ray
LIVING has a lot of dangers and being a taxidermist is no more hazardous than being Mr. Goodwrench, a construction worker, an electrician, a plumber, a longhaul driver, a driver period, a jogger, or even a housewife/househusband. EVERYTHING is inherently dangersous and for "idiotic", I find taxiing a venous snake skin unanalogous of getting a "fang". I remove the skin from the snake first and THAT might get a fang if I didn't carefully extract them before I started. And I assure you, I've spent an inordinate amount of time in hospitals from "slipped scalpels" and careless fleshing machine operation than I ever did from snake poisonings (I was bitten once by a pygmy rattler while running an electric wire under my house, but never while doing taxidermy).
And to answer the other question, people didn't KNOW about the dangers they faced and that ignorance cost this industry a lot of people who didn't live as long as they might have. Still, many prevailed to live long and productive lives almost to the century mark. Natural selection I suppose.
I've never had an accident, but read about something horrific in almost every issue of the 3 major farm magazines I get. Just ask OSHA.
Yes, I suppose taxidermy can have its share of potential biohazard dangers, but keeping specimens fresh, using sterilants and disinfectants as well as protective gloves [vinyl or nitrile....not latex] can help keep the skin free of harmful bacteria.
I have to handle some chemicals on the farm and must wear adequate protection. I have yet to see any tanning solution, acid or base for taxidermy anywhere near as dangerous as anhydrous ammonia. I suppose NH3 is the leading cause of farm accidents[?].
Gee, I think my hobby/side line here is child's play by comparison.
If farming is not the most dangerous occupation....office jobs are because the commute from smaller towns to a big city like Dallas or Chicago can be the most dangerous of all. Aren't traffic accidents still our No.1 killer besides cancer and heart attacks?
...according to the Discovery channel is the most hazardous occupation.
But, I'll bet farming in this country is #1. I personally know several farmers that have lost loved ones to tractor rollovers and suffocation in silos...
I keep hearing all that about farming and all, but I thought of the crab fishers and oil field workers. What about firefighting? Police? Military?
Yep, just give me my taxidermy and nobody gets hurt. LOL!
Like RJ I too Farm. However most farming accidents are caused by Carelessness. People who drive tricycle tractors with front end loaders. Or worse yet drive them On silage pits. People who make adjustments to equipment without shutting it down, or disconnecting the PTO shaft. Almost every profession has inherent risks. And taxidermy is among them. All taxidermist should Know them, and what measures to take to protect themselves. Powdered borax dust can be hazardous if inhaled. Solvents can be absorbed through the skin. viruses that are normally host specific can jump the barrier and mutate to affect a different host. These are called Zoospores. I don't think the question was out of place. Newbee Take Bill Haynes advice and use the search feature for a more in-depth answer.
Your wife beating you in the head to get out of the shop, and take her out for supper.
Many thanks to all you guys for the prompt and interesting responses, it makes for fascinating reading. In theory is there any length of time that a poisonous snake or insect would lose its danger? Or is there no best-before date on those kind of things?
Thanks again.
Reading advice from someone who does not know what they're talking about...LOL (NO inference to any of the great posters above).
~ ETCC