Safety Guidelines for Kids' Art Materials

by FamilyEducation Staff

Brought to you by the National PTA

• No dusts or powders, which can be inhaled or can get in the eyes.

• No organic solvents or solvent-containing products.

• No aerosol spray cans, air brushes, etc.

• Nothing that stains the skin or clothing (or cannot be washed out of clothing).

• No acids, alkalis, bleaches, or other irritant or corrosive chemicals.

• Donated or found materials, unless the ingredients are known.

• No old materials, i.e., from mother's or grandmother's art supply cabinet. In the past, art materials were even more toxic and had less labeling than they do now. Mercury pigments and raw lead compounds were commonly ingredients. In particular, look out for old products such as rubber cement and lacquer thinners, which might contain benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform. These solvents are used rarely in products today because they are known to cause cancer. Children should not be using solvents at all, but sometimes these supplies are found in old school cabinets or in basement workshops. Old instant papier-mache and modeling material should be discarded because of the risk of asbestos contamination.

For more information and parenting resources about arts in education, visit the National PTA's website.

This article was excerpted from National PTA's magazine, Our Children.