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Use eco-friendly art supplies

Why This is Green

If you’re an artist or have kids, chances are your home is overflowing with markers, crayons, pens, glue, and paint. Sadly many art supplies contain and offgas unsafe chemicals. Exposure to them can result in headaches, nausea, breathing problems, lung and kidney damage, and even cancer.

Your nose already knows this—have you ever gotten a good whiff of certain kinds of markers? These—and some paints—can contain air polluting solvents like xylene and toluene, which are neuro, reproductive, and respiratory hazards. Crayons and paints may contain unsafe pigments containing heavy metals. Glues may contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Not exactly what you bargain for when your kid draws you a rainbow!

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How To

Even the eco-friendlier art supplies on the market should be carefully researched. It’s not enough to have a label saying the product conforms to an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard. This sounds promising, but it’s not a meaningful claim. ASTM ingredient reviews can be performed by employees of the art supply manufacturer.

Use your nose as a guide—avoid anything that smells strongly of chemicals as well as anything fragranced.

Avoid modeling clays; they often have high levels of phthalates.

Natural pigments and materials like beeswax and soy wax are preferable to petroleum-derived paraffin wax. Plant dyes are preferable to synthetic pigments.

Simpler is better—choose crayons and pencils over markers. Don’t use products with warning labels.

Don’t allow young children to put art supplies in their mouths. And always wash hands after doing an art project. Don’t snack as you doodle.