ABSTRACT
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees the labeling of hazardous products. The CPSC requires labeling of art materials that have the potential to cause chronic health effects under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). Non-toxic art and craft supplies intended for children are readily available. But one should always read the labels and purchase only art and craft materials intended for children. For certain chemicals and exposure situations, children may be especially susceptible to the risk of injury. Chemical exposures can occur through breathing fumes and vapors, absorption through the skin, or swallowing. Under the FHSA, an art material is defined as "any substance marketed or represented by the producer or re-packager as suitable for use in any phase of the creation of any work of visual or graphic art of any medium". Children's products that meet this definition include, but are not limited to, crayons, chalk, paint sets, colored pencils, and modeling clay.
