Unison Colour Soft Pastels Carbon Black 1 & 2. Superior handmade pastels using a high concentration of traditional pigments. The manufacturing process, hand rolling rather than extrusion, give Unison Colour Soft Pastels a unique smooth texture. The carefully measured recipes ensure the subtle differences and consistency between each shade.
The outstanding Unison Colour soft pastels provide satisfying colour transfer and excellent blending properties. They can be used both dry and wet.
“Although there has been some reserve with regards to the use of pigments based on the heavy metals Cadmium and Cobalt recently, these substances prove their value repeatedly. Nothing comes close enough in strength and durability. With careful respect and consideration, we use these remarkable pigments in our pastel formulations and believe that their precious availability warrants appreciation not total avoidance.”
Health and Safety Statement from Unison Colour
“In response to recent enquiries from customers who have contacted Unison Colour, the following is a brief statement concerning health and safety issues relating to our products.
Drawing with soft pastels can produce large quantities of respirable dust. We highly recommend the use of a suitable dust mask and also protective gloves (preferably vinyl to avoid possible allergic reactions to latex in those persons susceptible).
The majority of concerns involve our use of Cadmium and Cobalt pigments, which are contained in a great many of our colours. Both metals are embedded in a product matrix and are widely considered not directly bioavailable, i.e. systemic absorption of a metal species, eg. a free metal ion, is not thought to be possible.
We are aware of anxieties with regards to a potential carcinogenic risk from these metals but find recent research reassuring. In fact certain recent research indicates a huge margin of safety. However, as with the use of any dusty material, Unison Colour would recommend good working hygiene and the use of a dust mask.”
