In a message dated 3/17/2009 2:15:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**UCDAVIS.EDU writes:

Use a theatrical fog machine.  Less messy and doesn 't give the fire dept too much heartburn.

Now you are in my territory.  Get the MSDS first.  Some of them a re oil mists and can leave residue and under the right conditions can be flammable.  Some of them are various glycols and water.  These wo uld be better to use.

The Entertainment Services Technology Association (ESTA) has set standards for fog that provide both a TWA and a Ceiling limit for some of the chemicals.  Keep your exposure low.  They are toxic at high level s and there is a ton of studies and anecdotal cases out there to support this .

It is also interesting that ESTA makes it clear that their standards only a pply (as do the TLVs) to healthy people from 18 to 64.  Yet I see fire depa rtments use the fog machines in demonstrations and drills with little children. Sometimes even in enclosed spaces like trailors.  If a child has a reaction, that will be one easy lawsuit. 

Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A.,
industrial hygienist
Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
and
Safety Officer,
United Scenic Artist's, Local USA829
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE)
181 Thompson St., #23
New York NY 10012-2586 & nbsp;   212/777-0062

artscraftstheatersafety.org