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A.C.T.S. Providing Safety and Hazard Information for the Arts
Abstract: "A.C.T.S. is a not-for-profit corporation that provides health, safety, industrial hygiene, technicals services, and safety publications to the arts, crafts, museums, and theater communities. "Included is a section on data sheets and books and safety issues (all about wax, dyes and pigments, labels: reading between the lies, and understanding the MSDS).
Source: Arts, Crafts, and Theater Safety
URL: http://www.artscraftstheatersafety.org/

AMACO Lesson Plans
Abstract: A variety of ceramics/clay-based lessons are provided to encourage use of safe materials.
Source: American Art and Clay Company
URL: http://www.amaco.com/html/amaco_lessons.html

Are Art Supplies Toxic?
Abstract: This article by Tracy Fernandez Rysavy from the May/June 2007 edition of Co-op America's Real Money newsletter discusses labels to look for when considering the health hazards of art supplies; health issues related to paints, crayons, markers, clay and glue; sources of alternative products; and provides a list of resources as well as a recipes for homemade finger paints and juice dyes.
Source: Co-op America's Real Money
URL: http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/toxicart.
cfm

Art and Creative Materials Institute
Abstract: ACMI is recognized as a leading authority on art and craft materials, and they emphasize providing the public with art and craft materials that are non-toxic using certification seals to inform the public on the safety of art products.
Source: Art and Creative Materials Institute
URL: http://www.acminet.org/index.htm

Art Hazards List, Californa EPA [PDF]
Abstract: Art materials that cannot be purchased, ordered, or used in California classrooms with students K-6 are listed.
Source: Office of Environmental Health Hazard
URL: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/education/pdf_zip/Aug05arthazlist.pd
f

Art Safety Training Guide
Abstract: "This training guide provides basic information for working safely with chemicals and operations in visual arts. The guide is intended to supplement, but not replace, the safety orientation for faculty and students in visual arts."
Source: Environmental Healty Safety, Princeton University
URL: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/artsafety/index.htm

Ceramic Kilns
Abstract: The operation of a ceramic kiln may pose a risk to indoor air quality if not properly maintainced and ventilated. This is a case study from a school in Massachusetts.
Source: A Case Study of Environmental, Health and Safety Issues Involving the Burlington, MA Public School System, U.S. EPA
URL: http://www.epa.gov/region7/education_resources/teachers/ehss
tudy/ehs17.htm

Complete Safety and Use Information for Ceramic Products and Art Materials in the Classroom and Studio [PDF]
Abstract: This booklet from the American Art Clay Company includes sections on the safe use of ceramic art materials; contemporary ceramic studio safety guidelines; glaze labeling; underglaze labeling; specialty underglaze labeling; overglaze labeling; aerosol sprays and solvents; spraying and airbrushing; kiln firing guidelines; loading and firing the kiln; kiln vents; ceramic specialty products; non-ceramic art and craft materials; how to use AMACO products; and several appendices. (PDF Format; Length: 47 pages)
Source: American Art Clay Company (AMACO)
URL: http://www.amaco.com/pdfs/C5.pdf

Crafting Aluminum Art and Foiling Around
Abstract: Use aluminum cans to create aluminum wreaths and centerpieces. Free patterns are provided. A waste-free E-book is also sold and appears to be chock full of creative projects including holiday crafts, baskets and boxes, wall hangings, and more. Links to other recycle artists can be found at this site with a little searching. These are projects that students could make for raising funds for school activities or perhaps some of these artists could be contacted to participate in recycle and waste-free festivals.
Source: Aluminous Publishing
URL: http://www.aluminouspublishing.com/#contents

Crayon Recycle Program
Abstract: This is a fundraising opportunity for communities to recycle old, rejected and broken crayons.
Source: LAF Lines
URL: http://www.recycling-revolution.com/crayon-recycling.html

Dangers of Modern Art
Abstract: This brief overview explains risks and offers consumer information on art supplies.
Source: Union of Concerned Scientists
URL: http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/305-the-dangers
-of-modern-art.html

Definition of Terms
Abstract: Terms such as "chronic adverse health effects," "determination of labeling," and "enforceable items" are included in this list.
Source: Budget Art Materials
URL: http://www.budgetartmaterials.com/deofte.html

Detoxify Your Studio
Abstract: This is part of a presentation on simple suggestions that offer good advice for artists on how to use less-toxic paint and make it look like oils.
Source: The Expo for the Artist & Musician
URL: http://artsandmedia.net/2001/08/detoxify_your_studio.html

Developing Environmental Safety in the Arts - - Princeton's Approach [PDF]
Abstract: This 45-slide presentation covers a variety of art topics and styles as well as environmental hazards.
Source: Princeton
URL: http://www.c2e2.org/arts_workshop_05/princeton_pdf.pdf

Dictionary of Toxins
Abstract: This list identifies primary health and environmental concerns for hazardous materials frequently used in art. List includes alklyds, benzene, calcium carbonate, gum arabic, perylene/benzo perylene, and much more.
Source: Budget Art Materials
URL: http://www.budgetartmaterials.com/diofto.html

Education -- Art Hazards List
Abstract: Guidelines for Safe Use of Art and Craft Materials, cover letters for communicating with parents, and assessing risks are available through this Web site.It identifies art and craft materials that are not allowed for purchase in California for grades K-6.
Source: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Califiornia
URL: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/education/art/getart.html

Environmental Health & Safety in the Arts: A Guide for K-12 Schools, Colleges and Artisans
Abstract: Environmental Compliance and Best Management Practices Guidance Manual for K-12 Schools, with emphasis on the arts including fine arts labs/art studios, photography labs, and computer labs.
Source: U.S. EPA Region 2
URL: http://www.epa.gov/region02/children/k12/artpdf.htm

Glossary of Terms
Abstract: More than 50 common terms associated with toxicity and art are defined in easy-to-understand language.
Source: Oregon Toxics Alliance
URL: http://www.oregontoxics.org/glossary.html

Greening Your Lessons -- Art
Abstract: This portal provided by Greening Schools for art educator resources covers a broad spectrum of concerns from health and safety to lessons.
Source: Greening Schools, Ilinois Waste Management and Research Center
URL: http://www.greeningschools.org/resources/view_cat_teacher.cf
m?id=1

Guidelines for the Safe Use of Art and Craft Materials
Abstract: This guide provides a focus on education guidelines for elementary art materials and exposure concerns. Included are special concerns regarding children in kindergarten and grades 1-6. Although available for California, this resources is one of the more comprehensive in the country.
Source: Office of Enviornmental Health Hazard Assessment, California
URL: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/education/art/artguide.html

Hazardous Pigments
Abstract: Although many manufacturers are switching to alternatives because of increased awareness of safety and health concerns, there is still material that can be considered hazardous. This brief article identifies some of the concerns.
Source: Budget Art Materials
URL: http://www.budgetartmaterials.com/hapi.html

Health and the Arts Program
Abstract: The mission of the Health in the Arts Program is to diagnose, treat, and prevent arts-related disorders among people working in all aspects of the arts. There is increasing recognition that work in the arts can involve health risks such as exposures to toxic materials and hazardous physical conditions. Injuries and repetitive motion disorders can also result from practice and from work in the arts.
Source: University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health
URL: http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts/

Health Hazards in the Arts: Information for Artists, Craftspeople, and Photographers
Abstract: This list offers a fairly comprehensive list of publications available for people in the arts and health/pollution risks. We suggest exploring your local libraries to locate publications of interest.
Source: RIT Libraries
URL: http://wally.rit.edu/pubs/guides/healthhaz.html

Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool
Abstract: EPA has developed a unique software tool to help school districts evaluate and manage their school facilities for key environmental, safety, and health issues. Physical areas of schools included are classrooms, visual arts, industrial arts, vocational arts, music rooms, and many others.
Source: U.S. EPA
URL: http://www.epa.gov/schools1/healthyseat/index.html

Imagination Factory, The
Abstract: This site combines arts and crafts and environmental education (and a lot of recycling/reusing). Lessons and activities are offered, and a list of suggested art uses (for items commonly placed into the waste stream) is provided. Each of these links to a project. Visit their Imagination Factory Outlet Store and their trash matcher.
Source: Kid at Art
URL: http://www.kid-at-art.com/

KidsArt Hands-on Art Education Art for Home and Schools
Abstract: "At KidsArt, we do our best to provide only AP and CP Nontoxic certified products, or alert you if a product does not carry this certification. It is your responsibility to examine and confirm the safety and age-appropriateness of art materials before they are used. For a list of certified AP and CP nontoxic products, visit the Art and Craft Materials Institute." This is an art supply resource that provides a lot of valuable information on kid-appropriate material.
Source: Kids Art
URL: http://www.kidsart.com/

Labeling of Hazardous Materials
Abstract: Dick Blick describes the labeling of art materials in accordance with the Art and Creative Materials Institute's labeling.
Source: Dick Blick Art Materials
URL: http://www.dickblick.com/customerservice/healthsafety/#label
ing

Law Requires Review and Labeling of Art Materials, Including Children's Art and Drawing Products
Abstract: In 1988, a law was signed by the President that required labeling of hazardous art materials. This article describes the content of the law.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission
URL: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5016.html

MSDS for Ceramics (Art Department)
Abstract: Products generally used in ceramics are identified with links to appropriate MSDS information.
Source: Connecticut College
URL: http://www.conncoll.edu/offices/ehs/6112.htm

Overview of Hazards
Abstract: This overview includes terminology, types of exposures, allergic reactions, and safety issues in case of illness or fire.
Source: True Art
URL: http://www.trueart.info/art_hardware.htm

Poisoned by Painting: The problem of toxic art supplies
Abstract: The bloody noses in the morning, the dizziness, nausea, and headaches all finally got to me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was poisoning myself with oil-based paint.This article is a personal account of problems associated with using toxic materials in art.
Source: Expo for the Artist and Musician
URL: http://artsandmedia.net/2001/08/poisoned_by_painting_the_pro
bl.html

Providing Safety and Hazard Information for the Arts
Abstract: "ACTS is a not-for-profit corporation that provides health,safety, industrial hygiene, technical services, and safety publications to the arts, crafts, museums, and theater communities." They offer a valuable selection of data sheets on a variety of art-related topics including (All About Wax, Art Painting, Selecting Children's Art Materials, etc).
Source: Arts, Crafts, and Theater Safety
URL: http://www.artscraftstheatersafety.org/

Recycled Christmas Tree
Abstract: Instruction on how to make disposable and environmentally free ornaments are provided.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
URL: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/RECYCLE/
Tree/tree.htm

Recycled Holiday Crafts, Watching Your Waste at the Holidays [PDF]
Abstract: Crafts, crafts, and more crafts abound along with explanations on recycling metal, plastic, and glass. Some very different suggestions for projects include "Christmas Card Balls." (PDF Format; Length: 11 pages)
Source: South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency
URL: http://www.sciswa.org/assets/pdf/recycledholidaycrafts.pdf

Reduce Your Child's Exposure to Chemicals
Abstract: In addition to largely unknown chronic effects, many chemicals in common household products pose immediate danger if accidentally ingested. For those reasons, consumers should read labels carefully and choose products that appear to pose the lowest risk. It's not easy. You may see product labels that say "nontoxic" or "nonirritating," but those claims are not clearly defined or verified, says Consumers Union. This article identifies four areas of concern: auto, medicine, pest control, and art supplies.
Source: Consumer's Report
URL: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/health-car
e/reduce-your-childs-exposure-to-chemicals-405/overview.htm

Safety Precautions
Abstract: Safety advice is offered for using solvents, gases, sprays, dusts, and other materials frequently used in art.
Source: Budget Art Materials
URL: http://www.budgetartmaterials.com/sapr.html

St. Louis Teachers' Recycle Centers
Abstract: This is a resource for teachers that combines learning and recycling with financial savings. Teachers can take advantage of resources that are donated to the center by businesses and other community members. Businesses often generate abundances of solid waste products through overruns, discontinued items, rejects, and obsolete parts, according to the center. By donating these items to the center, they reduce their own disposal costs and improve their bottom line, while making it possible for schools to obtain creative materials for classroom use at minimal cost. They offer workshops and have a go van. Their service area is currently limited to the St Louis area of Illinois and Missouri.
Source: St. Louis Teachers' Recycle Centers
URL: http://www.stlouisteachersrecycle.homestead.com/

Stained-Glass Glue [PDF]
Abstract: Many artists spend time making their own materials to create a work of art that is unique to them. They may be looking for a certain texture, color, interaction with light, or special ability to be molded, bent, twisted, or carved in a certain way. Creating the right material requires a lot of experimentation until the result is exactly what the artist needs. In this activity, you can make a colorful art material that looks bright in the light. (PDF Format; Length: 1 page)
Source: WonderNet
URL: http://portal.acs.org/portal/fileFetch/C/CTP_004099/pdf/CTP_
004099.pdf

Toxic Art Materials: What Every Artist Should Know
Abstract: For casual hobbyists and professional artists alike, art supplies have become such familiar materials that one rarely stops to seriously consider their specific ingredients. Provided is a discussion on labels. This article is from the 2003 Expo for the Artist and Musician. Written by Nate Orman.
Source: Expo for The Artist and Musician
URL: http://artsandmedia.net/2003/10/toxic_art_materials_what_eve
ry.html

Toxic Art Supplies Code, Illinois
Abstract: This is a menu of the Illinois Administrative Code database that applies to toxic art supplies for schools. The purpose and applicability states that "The Toxic Art Supplies in Schools Act requires the department to develop lists of art or craft materials which cannot be purchased or ordered for use in kindergarten through sixth grade. These lists are distributed by the State Superintendent of Education to all school districts in Illinois, as well as making the lists available to preschools, child care centers, and other businesses and organizations which involve children in the use of art or craft materials. This part contains standards for inclusion and removal of a product on the list of products which can not be purchased or ordered by schools, as well as the list of materials which can be purchased or ordered." The lists identify those that are approved and not approved.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
URL: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700848se
ctions.html

Toxic Art Supplies Code, Illinois, Section 848.100: Purpose and Applicability
Abstract: The Toxic Art Supplies in Schools Act requires the department to develop lists of art or craft materials that cannot be purchased or ordered for use in kindergarten through sixth grade. These lists are distributed by the State Superintendent of Education to all school districts in Illinois, as well as making the lists available to preschools, child care centers, and other businesses and organizations which involve children in the use of art or craft materials. This part contains the standards for inclusion and removal of a product on the list of products that cannot be purchased or ordered by schools, as well as the list of materials which can be purchased or ordered.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
URL: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/0770084800
01000R.html

Toxic Information
Abstract: Toxic information, labeling, and handling precautions, as well as The Toxic Art Supplies in Schools Act (Illinois) is provided.
Source: Budget Art Materials
URL: http://www.budgetartmaterials.com/toin.html

True Art Information
Abstract: Available through True Art, this information covers art hazards, art materials, on-line art material stores, lists of supplies, and creative process information.
Source: True Art
URL: http://www.trueart.info/

U.S. EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Programs
Abstract: The 10 U.S. EPA regional offices and contacts are provided. Regional questions regarding pollution prevention for arts education can be initiated with these contacts.
Source: U.S. EPA
URL: http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/local.htm#regions

The Topic Hub™ is a product of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx)

The Pollution Prevention for Arts Education Topic Hub™ was developed by:

Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Contact email: glrppr@istc.illinois.edu

Hub Last Updated: 7/31/2009

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