Organic, Non Toxic or Natural Art Supplies
What does Organic, Non Toxic or Natural art supplies mean?
By Spramani Elaun
As mom to two young artist, art teacher for Nature of Art For Kids® it’s important for me to understand what ingredients truly mean on art supply labels.
Knowing what “Organic, Natural & Non-toxic” means will help you better understand how to select products for your child’s health and best use for art projects.
Organic
Organic art supplies are usually made with ingredients that are biodegradable and pure ingredients.
Simply stated, ingredients grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or without ionizing radiation, very clean ingredients.
Non Toxic
Non Toxic implies that the product has been tested by a toxicologists and is not harmful to your child’s health if ingested or absorbed.
A Non Toxic label also insures the product does not cause acute or chronic hazards. U.S. labeling law requires all companies selling or distributing art supplies for children in the U.S. must display the conforms to ASTM D 4236 on the label.
I recommend when buying art supplies you only buy products with this conforms label.
Please call the company and ask questions if products don’t have this conforms label.
If they can not answer your questions and confirm it is safe and non toxic, please do not use. Safety First!
Natural
Natural art supplies are generally made with ingredients like fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds, leaves or earth clays.
Usually this means natural pigments were extracted from these types of plants.
These natural resources can also be processed and combined with synthetic or food preservatives for longer shelf life.
Synthetic In-orgainc Art Supplies
Today most commercial art supplies are created by synthetic in-organic pigments.
They can be made by grinding minerals, washing clays, or extracting plant dyes.
Synthetic in-organic art supplies can be certified non-toxic and safe for children.
Always be sure labels clearly state conforms to ASTM D 4236 if you intend for young child to use these products.
Never by adult grade art supplies for children under 12 years.
All these types of art supplies are readily available on the market today.
I recommend trying to make your own natural art supplies if you can’t find these products near you.
The internet has wonderful ideas and natural recipes you can look up.
If you have specific questions please leave a comment.
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