One of the best gifts my kids can receive is a basket full of art and craft supplies that they can use their imagination with. It’s a gift that they can use over and over again and use in a variety of different ways. It’s so open ended that it allows them to use their imaginations to create.
I love having craft supplies fully stocked in our house. And while I’ve been an art volunteer at their school over the last 7 years, I started to see that so many art supplies are filled with toxins.
And while this may seem like it’s not a big deal, it can be harmful to the health of our kids as they often have art supplies all over their hands and fingers after use. And maybe you have a lefty or southpaw like we have in our home. They ALWAYS have ink smeared on their hand from writing and drawing.
So the next time you go to restock your art closet with craft supplies, make sure you pay attention to the things I’m about to share with you and make a purchase that’s healthier for you and for your kids.
TOXINS IN ART AND CRAFT SUPPLIES
Unfortunately, so many craft supplies and art supplies that are marketed towards children contain harmful toxins that most of us aren’t even aware of. But that makes sense, doesn’t it? We used similar products and craft supplies as kids and probably haven’t thought twice about it. These toxins are the big ones to avoid when it comes to art and craft supplies for kids:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are commonly found in paints, markers, glues, and some clay materials. These chemicals release gasses that can irritate the respiratory system and cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to certain VOCs is linked to more serious health risks, including liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
Formaldehyde: This chemical is sometimes used as a preservative in art supplies, especially in liquid products like glues and some paints. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye discomfort.
Heavy Metals: Art supplies, especially paints, chalks, and certain types of clay, may contain heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and chromium. These metals are harmful, especially to children, as they can accumulate in the body over time and cause developmental and neurological issues.
Phthalates: Found in some plastic and vinyl art supplies, phthalates are chemicals used to increase flexibility in plastic products. They are associated with hormone disruption and may have reproductive and developmental impacts, especially concerning for children’s health.
Asbestos and Talc: Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been found in some talc-based art supplies, including certain crayons and clay products. Asbestos exposure is a serious health concern linked to lung diseases and cancers, particularly with inhalation.
Solvents: Found in products like paints, inks, and some types of markers, solvents (e.g., toluene and xylene) can cause respiratory irritation, neurological symptoms, and may have harmful long-term effects if exposure is frequent and prolonged.
Synthetic Dyes and Pigments: Many synthetic dyes and pigments contain harmful compounds that can leach from materials, particularly if products are handled extensively or chewed on by children. Some pigments have been found to contain chemicals that are suspected or known carcinogens.
HOW TO SHOP FOR NON TOXIC CRAFT SUPPLIES
To reduce exposure to the toxins mentioned, you might want to look for products that are certified non toxic. For example, those labeled “AP Non-Toxic” by the Art and Creative Materials Institute are tested and meet certain safety standards.
Shopping at places like MightyNest and EarthHero is another great way to find non-toxic alternatives to crafts supplies and art supplies that typically contain toxic ingredients.
But I also have a list of non toxic craft supplies and art supplies below that will help you as you shop.
Paint
What to Avoid: Powder mixes and aerosols (also watch for lead, cadmium, mercury, magnesium and chrome which are in some pigments), oil based paints, Acrylic paint with ammonia and formaldehyde, some tempera paint
Instead Opt For: Water based, water color paints, organic and food safe colors
Best Picks:
Markers
What to Avoid: Permanent, solvent based markers that contain toluene, xylene or alcohol, dry erase markers, or permanent felt tip markers
Instead Opt For: Water based markers and gel pens
Best Picks:
Crayons
What to Avoid: Crayons made with petroleum based paraffin wax and artificial, chemical based colors
Instead Opt For: Natural soy or beeswax crayons with mineral pigments or food grade pigments
Best Picks:
Glues & Adhesives
What to Avoid: Rubber cement, paint thinners, shellac, model glues, expoxy and spray adhesives
Instead Opt For: Water based glues, organic glues, plant based glues, school glues, washi tape and adhesive tape
Best Picks:
Colored Pencils
What to Avoid: Chemical based pigments and toxic varnish coated pencils
Instead Opt For: Natural colored pencils made with a VOC free lacquer
Best Picks:
Stamping Ink
What to Avoid: Permanent ink, water proof, ink with artificial colors made from chemicals or heavy metals
Instead Opt For: Plant based or food grade colors, water based ink pads
Best Picks:
Chalk
What to Avoid: Chalk using heavy metals to make pigments and artificial colors
Instead Opt For: Vegetable colored chalk or chalk made from calcium carbonate
Best Picks:
Clays
What to Avoid: PVC based modeling clay and powder clay
Instead Opt For: Clay free of phthalates and PVC
Best Picks:
Art & Craft Supplies
What to Avoid: Products with a lot of plastic, adhesive or metallic color
Instead Opt For: Natural materials like paper, wood, cardboard and cotton
Best Picks:
Ideas to Make Your Own Non-Toxic Craft Kit at Home
