Why Clean Art Materials?
DID YOU KNOW?
Many art materials, even those specifically designed for children, contain all kinds of toxins and dangerous chemicals. There is no legal definition of “non-toxic” and products from some of the most trusted children’s brands are banned from schools in certain states due to hazardous ingredients. Our company’s job is to remove this guesswork by carefully curating a selection of truly clean products that meet our high standard of excellence.
JUST HOW HAZARDOUS ARE THESE INGREDIENTS?
Some examples of ingredients that have been found in children’s art materials from leading brands: asbestos and petroleum in crayons, phthalates in modeling clay, alcohol in markers, and lead in paint.
Children are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of these chemicals due to their small size and developing bodies–not to mention much more likely to put items in their mouths and draw on themselves.
IS SOMEONE REGULATING THIS?
Yes and no. Like most things, the answer is complicated. The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) is a non-profit that grants certifications for products that have been evaluated by third-party toxicologists: Approved Product (AP) if the product contains no hazardous ingredients, or Cautionary Label (CL) if it does contain toxic chemicals. However, certifications are not fail-safe and are NOT required for products to be sold in stores or online.
WHICH BRANDS USE SKETCHY INGREDIENTS?
The Pure Art Co. team is about finding solutions and giving customers better options, not calling people out. However, we also strongly believe that customers have a right to know what they’re purchasing! That’s why we are relentless in our vetting process before deciding to carry a product in our shop. If you’re finding it in the Pure Art Co. shop, we’ve already done the research and given it the green light. Click here to see the (very long) list of specific products that California schools are prohibited from purchasing for students in grades K-6.