http://www.lhwmp.org/home/health/artsupplies.aspx
For more information, contact Gail Gensler at 206-263-3082 or gail.gensler@kingcounty.gov.
Buying Safer Art Supplies
Should I be concerned about buying safer art supplies for young children?
Some common arts and crafts products can contain hazardous materials (lead, solvents, ammonia).
Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure, because they are developing rapidly.
Want to buy safer art supplies? Read the label. The simplest way to find safer art supplies is to look on
the packaging for certain phrases and logos.
Look for these
What they mean
symbols or statements
on art supplies
These materials have been tested by the Art and Creative
OK to buy for children
through grade six ?
OK
Materials Institute (ACMI) and were determined to be non-toxic to
young children.
These materials have been tested by the Information Toxicology
OK
International Incorporated and were determined to be non-toxic to
young children.
“Conforms to ASTM D- The product is meant to be used as an art supply. The label must
4236”
Maybe
list ingredients if hazardous.
This phrase is required by U.S. law.
Children in grade six and below should not use this art product
Avoid
because it contains hazardous materials.
(Children in grades seven and up may use the product with adult
supervision. Follow the directions on the label.)
Turn over for examples of art supplies and contact information.
Examples of art supplies
Glues
Paint
OK to use
Avoid
Why to avoid?
White library paste
Rubber cement
Flammable, toxic
Glue stick
Model glues
Flammable, toxic
Adhesive tape
Spray adhesives
Flammable, toxic
Rice paste
Super glue
Toxic
Contact cement
Toxic
Epoxy
Toxic
Water-based paints, solid or liquid:
Acrylic paints
tempera, poster paints and paint pans,
with AP Safe for Kids seal.
Drawing
materials
Modeling
Clays
Acrylic paints may have the
AP seal, but because they
may contain ammonia and
formaldehyde, we do not
recommend their use by
young children.
Powdered paints
Powdered paints could
cause a breathing hazard if
you mix them around
children.
Oil based paints
Paint thinners
Spray paints
Toxic solvents
Crayons
Permanent markers
Toxic solvents
Colored pencils
Dry-erase markers
Toxic solvents
Scented markers
A concern is that these
makers "teach" children to
smell other, potentially
harmful types of markers.
Polymer clays (e.g. Fimo.)
Made of vinyl or PVC
which can release toxic
gases into the air.
Glazes that contain lead, cobalt,
cadmium, chromium
Lead is known to affect
IQ. All are reproductive
hazards.
Glazes for professional artists
CL label (see chart above)
and health caution label
Pre-mixed clay
Dry clay that needs mixing
Toxic silica dust
Made from cotton, nylon or polyester
Made from or coated with vinyl or PVC Vinyl or PVC can release
toxic gases into the air.
Flour based clays (Play-Doh,
homemade)
Earth-based clays (Crayola Air-Dry
Clay)
Oil-based clays (Plasticine)
Ceramics, Glazes with AP seal
Pottery
Aprons
Copyright © 2012
Workshops for artists in grade seven and above provide information on safe purchasing and use
guidelines.

For secondary art teachers (http://www.lhwmp.org/home/educators/art-workshops.aspx )

For adult artists (http://www.lhwmp.org/home/ChemToxPesticides/artchemicals.aspx )
Find more label information at Healthy Child Healthy World What's on the Label: Art and Hobby
Supplies
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/whats_on_the_label_art_and_hobby_supplies/