Healthy Kids Tip: Art Supplies
Find out about toxic ingredients in some art supplies and how to choose the safest non-toxic materials.
Some art and craft supplies contain toxic ingredients that, when used or stored indoors, can trigger asthma, allergies, headaches, and nausea. Some inks, adhesives, solvents and clay may contain chemicals that can lead to chronic disease like cancer after repeated exposure.
Because children are more vulnerable, it is important to choose supplies certified as non-toxic. Because young children are more likely to have contact with products on skin, hair, mouth and eyes, it is particularly important to ensure non-toxic materials for grade six and lower.
Tips for Choosing Art & Craft Supplies:
1. Choose supplies approved by the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI). Look for the seal on products, or visit the web site for a comprehensive list of approved materials.
2. Read labels on all supplies and follow precautions.
3. Keep the workspace well ventilated by opening windows and using fans, or work outside.
4. Do not allow children to eat or drink while using art and craft materials.
5. Ensure that children wear smocks and wash their hands thoroughly after using art and craft supplies.
6. Choose liquid or paste over powders to avoid an inhalation hazard. If you use powder clay, paint, plaster, wheat paste or other powders, mix them when children are not present.
7. Be cautious about art and craft projects that use recycled materials or non-traditional craft materials. Fiberboard, furniture foam, packaging materials and other goods may release toxic substances if heated, cut, glued or mixed with other materials.
More Resources
- Art & Creative Materials Institute
- EPA Teacher’s classroom checklist (PDF) for air quality
- Guidelines for safe use of art & craft materials from CA Department of Environmental Quality.
- List of materials prohibited for use in CA schools grades one through six.
