Children’s art supplies look safe — but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that many art and craft materials contain chemicals capable of causing serious and chronic health harm, and that parents have no reliable way to identify hazardous products without knowing what to look for. CPSC’s Art and Craft Safety Guide, developed in partnership with leading art safety organizations, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating art materials — and its findings reveal that many common craft supplies carry risks most parents are completely unaware of.
The Hazards Hidden in Common Art Materials
Many art materials that appear benign carry chemical hazards that accumulate over time in a child’s developing body. The most dangerous categories include:
- Solvents in markers, rubber cement, and some paints — toluene, xylene, benzene, and similar solvents found in permanent markers and solvent-based adhesives cause nervous system damage with prolonged exposure
- Aerosol sprays — spray paints, fixatives, and aerosol adhesives release fine particles and solvents directly into the respiratory tract; CPSC recommends children should not use aerosol art products at all
- Lead and cadmium in pigments — certain professional-grade colored pencils, oil paints, and pastels use pigments containing lead, cadmium, chromium, or manganese compounds that are toxic on inhalation or ingestion
- Epoxy resins and instant adhesives — contain reactive chemicals that cause sensitization and can trigger lifelong allergic responses after repeated skin contact
- Pottery and ceramic glazes — some glazes contain lead or other heavy metals; high-fire glazes in particular should not be used without proper ventilation
The ASTM D-4236 Marking
Federal law requires all art materials — whether or not marketed to children — to be evaluated by a board-certified toxicologist and labeled in compliance with ASTM D-4236, the standard for identifying chronic hazards in art materials. Products that have been evaluated and found to have no chronic hazard carry the statement “Conforms to ASTM D-4236.” CPSC advises: if an art supply does not carry this marking, do not use it.
Special Guidance for Children
CPSC and its partner organizations advise that children in kindergarten through sixth grade should not use any art material with a chronic hazard warning label. Additionally:
- Aerosol sprays should never be used by children of any age.
- Children should not use products containing solvents such as rubber cement or permanent markers in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Art activities with young children should always take place in well-ventilated areas.
- Children should always wash their hands after using any art material.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/hobbies/art-and-craft-safety-guide
