Inhalation hazards and the performing vocalist

Vocal production requires inhalation.  But in some performance venues there are chemicals in the air we inhale.   Examples include the glycols, glycerine or mineral oil mists in special effects such as haze, fog and smoke.  There also is combustion smoke and metal fumes from pyrotechnics, bullet hits (squibs), fire bars and cold spark gerbs.  Or there are particles from dust effects, artificial snow, and Holi powders.

While we rarely have to deal with tobacco smoke anymore, there is marijuana and vaping smoke in many locations.  In fact, some new information on the hazards of haze fog and smoke chemicals are from studies of vaping since the same chemicals are used in both.

Then there are air pollutants in the dressing and make up rooms including from hair sprays, from powders including talc, from air brush makeups, solvents from lotions, and more.

Next, there are air pollutants from some of the venues themselves. Old buildings may contain lead paint, asbestos sources, or mould.  New buildings often contain plastic and resin materials and polymer paints that off-gas chemicals.  The ventilation systems in both old and new venues are often less than helpful.

And we can’t ignore the airborne particles that spread infectious diseases which are changing the way we plan events, design ventilation systems, and select air purifiers.

In this course we will look at the respiratory system as a structure that is potentially vulnerable to many types of air pollutants. We will cover the physics needed to understand how particles, gases, and vapours behave in the air. We will review some of the studies of the chemicals encountered in performance venues and view short videos showing typical exposures.  Lastly, we will cover strategies to protect ourselves and our voices both on and off the job.

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available