ART HAZARDS

Safer Art Products

Look for these words and symbols on product labels

Hazard Signal Words	Art Label - Symbols	Meaning
DANGER WARNING		HIGHER HAZARD! Avoid use or use a safer alternative, if possible. Otherwise, protect yourself from exposure through ventilation or protective apparel.
No signal words		SAFER CHOICES No art product can be called completely safe. Even with safer alternatives, take reasonable precautions to reduce exposure: wash hands after using, don't eat around the products, don't breathe the products.

Many of these symbols are only found on products specifically sold for use by artists. Products designed for other purposes, but used by artists may not have these symbols. Always read warning statements on products before purchasing, and follow directions for safe use.

Visit www.goldenpaints.com/health-safety-labeling for more information on art product labels.

If children in grade six and under are using art products, they should only use products in the Safer Alternative row. See www.hazwastehelp.org/health/artsupplies.aspx.

Related Materials

Arts & Creative Materials Institute
https://www.acminet.org/

Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety
https://www.artscraftstheatersafety.org/datasheets.html

Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology – Artist
https://www.croetweb.com/links.cfm?subtopicID=182

Connecticut Department of Health - Leaded Ceramic Glazes (PDF)
https://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/lead/pdf/Leaded_Ceramic_Glazes_Advisory_final_04_04_06.pdf

Guidelines for the Safe Use of Art and Craft Materials
https://oehha.ca.gov/education/art/

National Library of Medicine - Keeping the Artist Safe: Hazards of Arts and Crafts Materials
https://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/arthazards.html

Selecting Safer Art Adhesives (PDF, 881 KB)