Choosing Safer Products: Art and Craft Supplies
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PRODUCT
TYPE: |
CHOOSE | AVOID |
|
Glues and adhesives |
Glue stick White “library” paste White wood glue, such as Elmer’sTM School Glues Adhesive tape |
Rubber cement Model glues Spray adhesives Contact cement “Super glue” Epoxy |
|
Drawing materials |
Water-based markers, preferably unscented Crayons Colored pencils |
Permanent markers Dry-erase markers |
|
Paint |
Water-based children’s paints in solid or liquid form, such as tempera, poster paints, and paint pans Acrylic paints are also water-based but should be avoided (they can contain ammonia and formaldehyde) |
Oil-based paints Paint thinners Spray paints Artists’ paints Acrylic paints Powdered paints |
|
Modeling clays |
Making your own is best (recipe available here). Otherwise, choose from these alternatives to polymer clays:
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Polymer clays (such as FimoTM), which are made of vinyl/PVC |
|
Ceramics and pottery |
Glazes with an AP (Approved Product) logo from the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) Contact manufacturers to make sure glazes do not contain lead |
Glazes for professional artists Glazes that are not lead-free |
|
Craft pieces |
Metal-free pieces such as popsicle sticks, cotton balls, fabric pieces, yarn, beads, and buttons |
Pieces made of metal, such as costume jewelry and charms, which may contain lead |
|
Aprons and smocks |
Aprons and smocks made of PVC-free materials such as cotton, nylon, and polyester |
Aprons and smocks made of vinyl/PVC or coated with vinyl/PVC |
Healthy Tips:
- To learn more about toxic chemicals in art and craft supplies, read our Art and Hobby Supplies fact sheet.
- Avoid children’s products that do not have Non-Toxic seals from the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). Products with the seal are not necessarily non-toxic but are a better choice than products without the seal.
- Avoid products for professional artists and products for adults labeled with the ‘CL’ or ‘HL: Cautions Required’ marks from the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).
- Check at home for any products that have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [www.cpsc.gov]
- Take a look at Top 10 Tips: Choosing Art Materials
A Sample Healthy Craft Kit for Kids:
Children’s crayons
Colored pencils
Glue stick and/or white glue
Water-based markers
Water-based children’s paints
Colored paper
Fabric pieces
Yarn
Stamps and water-based ink pads
Scissors (age-appropriate)
Adhesive tape