Artificial Smoke, Fog and Haze

What You Need to Know

As productions continue to use artificial smoke, fog and haze on set, members have reported getting sick due to chemicals or individual sensitivity. To help protect yourself, here is a list of rights and recommendations.

SAFETY BULLETIN #10. Guidelines Regarding the Use of Artificially Created Smokes, Fogs and Lighting Effects should be posted in the assistant director’s trailer. This industrywide bulletin lists important safety information regarding the use of artificial smokes and fogs, including safety precautions and guidelines regarding hazardous chemicals. You can find a link to this and other Safety Bulletins online at sagaftra.org/stunt-safety.

MSDS SHEET. On set you have a right to ask for the Material Safety Data Sheet that contains information about the artificial smokes and fogs, including safety precautions. Additionally, information is included for the Center for Disease Control and the manufacturer’s information.

CALL SHEET. You have the right to be informed on the call sheet when a production plans on using special effects, including fog and smoke.

TAKE A BREAK. You have the right to ask for a break from the smoke- or fog-exposed environment if you believe you’ve been exposed to the environment for too long.

SEE THE MEDIC. You have the right to be seen by the on-set medic if you believe smoke or fog is harming you.

LIMIT EXPOSURE. Avoid the smoke- or fog-exposed environment if you are not needed on set.

Click here to download the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety Bulletin: Artificial Smoke, Fog and Haze.

To report to SAG-AFTRA issues regarding safety, call:

Emergency Hotline
(844) SAFER SET/(844) 723-3773
24 hours, seven days a week

Non-Emergency Safety Line
(323) 765-2911, M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PT
(voicemail is available)