Safety is an important step in the clay making process. The biggest hazard is dust when you are making clay.Clay materials are basically dust.  Breathing that dust can seriously damage your lungs over time. Now, when we're mixing the clay, this is even more important because The clay particles are extremely small in size and can become lodged in your lungs without you even knowing it.  WHen the dust becomes lodged in your lungs it causes a degenerative disease called silicosis, which is similar to emphysema. It builds scar tissue inside your lungs that never goes away. A respirator is the best way to avoid this condition. There are 2 different types of respirators available.  There is a full face model which filters the air, although it can be a little bulky. Another option are disposable respirators, made from thick material. The respirator needs to say Nyosh N ninety-five, or P ninety-five, or R ninety-five. That's the degree of filtration that the respirator provides to you. There are disposable respirators available at any home repair store and cost on average about 2 dollars.  It is always important to be safety conscious when dealing with clay materials.