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Guidelines For Selecting Art And Craft Materials Kids Arts And Crafts

Guidelines for Selecting Art and Craft Materials for Children Kids Art and Crafts

Up to 12 years of age (Pre-kindergarten through Grade 6):

• Note that even products labeled 'non-toxic' when used in an unintended manner can have harmful effects.

•  Products with cautionary/warning labels should not be used with children pre-kindergarten through grade 6 (see Section II for information about specific materials).

•  Avoid solvents and solvent-based supplies, which include turpentine, paint thinner, shellac, toluene, and some glues, inks, and a few solvent-containing permanent markers.

•  Avoid materials in self-pressurized containers.

•  Avoid acids, alkalis, bleaches, or corrosives.

•  Avoid products or processes that produce airborne dusts which can be inhaled.

•  Avoid old supplies, unlabeled supplies, and be wary of donated supplies with cautionary/warning labels and that do not contain the statement "Conforms to ASTM D- 4236."

•  Avoid materials with lead, cadmium and other heavy metals.

•  Avoid high-temperature hot glue guns, use lowtemperature models.

•  Look for products that are clearly labeled with information about intended uses.

•  Give special attention to students with higher exposure risks, such as:

• Physical or mental challenges, which affect safe use of the supplies.

•  Visual or hearing difficulties that may hinder the recognition of spills or skin exposures and may require the student to get close to supplies during use which can increase their inhalation of fumes or dusts.

•  Asthma or allergies, which may elevate the students sensitivities to fumes, dusts, or products that come into contact with the skin.

•  Store surplus materials away from children.

•  Keep food and drinks out of the art area.

•  Give only small amounts to minimize spills and mishaps.

•  Supervise children closely to prevent unintended uses of art materials.

•  Adults should mix powdered and extremely dusty materials.

•  Wash hands after using materials. Do not use solvents to clean skin.

•  Watch for unusual reactions to chemicals.

•  Cover cuts and sores with bandages before using materials.

•  Contact the National Poison Control Center Hotline, 1- 800-222-1222, or the nearest certified Poison Control Center, if necessary (see General First Aid). Children's Arts and Crafts

This section gives an overview of the hazards associated with the use of art and craft materials by children and provides guidelines for the selection of materials as well as safety rules that should be followed.

Non-toxic art and craft supplies intended for children are readily available. Read the labels and only purchase art and craft materials intended for children.

For certain chemicals and exposure situations, children may be especially susceptible to the risk of injury. For example, since children are smaller than adults, children's exposures to the same amount of a chemical may result in more severe effects. Further, children's developing bodies, including their brains, nervous systems, and lungs may make them more susceptible than adults. Differences in metabolism may also affect children's responses to some chemicals.

Children's behaviors and cognitive abilities may also influence their risk. For example, children under the age of 12 are less able to remember and follow complex steps for safety procedures, and are more impulsive, making them more likely to ignore safety precautions. Children have a much higher chance of toxic exposure than adults because they are unaware of the dangers, not as concerned with cleanliness and safety precautions as adults, and are often more curious and attracted to novel smells, sights, or sounds. Also note that children do not have to be using the art and craft materials themselves to be affected by them: careless child or adult artists can accidentally expose other children to hazards.

Good health and safety habits can be formed at any point in life, including childhood. Adults should model safety procedures, the use of appropriate safety gear, and careful reading of labels and cautionary statements. Children need regular and consistent reminders of safety rules, and there is no substitute for direct supervision.

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