ASTM D4236-94(2021): Labeling Art Materials for Health Hazards
In a world of consumer products, safety is always a top priority—especially when it comes to products that children use. One important standard that assures art materials, such as paints, crayons, markers, and other creative supplies, are safe for use is ASTM D4236-94(2021): Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards, which details the standard practice for labeling art materials for chronic health hazards.
Are Toxic Substances Common in Art Supplies?
Toxic substances are common in many art supplies, including heavy metals (lead, cadmium), solvents (VOCs), and carcinogens (formaldehyde, silica dust). These toxic substances can be found in paints, glazes, markers, and clay. They pose serious health risks like cancer, nerve damage, and respiratory issues (silicosis, asthma)—thereby requiring strict labeling under ASTM D4236-94(2021).
Importance of ASTM D4236-94(2021)
ASTM D4236-94(2021) is crucial because it is the standard practice for labeling art materials for chronic health hazards, mandated by the US federal LHAMA law, assuring products are evaluated by toxicologists and clearly labeled for potential long-term risks (like cancer, allergies, organ damage) to protect consumers, especially children, and help users make informed safety decisions. Hence, by requiring manufacturers to identify and label chronic health hazards, the ASTM D4236-94(2021) label exists to inform consumers about potentially harmful ingredients and safe use of art materials.
What Is ASTM D4236-94(2021)?
ASTM D4236-94(2021) describes a procedure for developing precautionary labels for art materials and provides hazard and precautionary statements based upon knowledge that exists in the scientific and medical communities. This practice concerns those chronic health hazards known to be associated with a product or product component(s), when the component(s) is present in a physical form, volume, or concentration that in the opinion of a toxicologist (see 2.1.11) has the potential to produce a chronic adverse health effect(s).
ASTM D4236-94(2021) applies exclusively to art materials packaged in sizes intended for individual users of any age or those participating in a small group.
This practice does not specify test methods for determining whether a substance or product presents chronic health hazards. ASTM D4236-94(2021) also does not apply to products appropriately labeled for known chronic health hazards in accordance with chemical substance labeling standards and practices, such as another national consensus standard, existing labeling statutes, regulations, or guidelines.
Where to Find ASTM D4236-94(2021)
If you are a manufacturer and/or importer of art materials (paints, clays, markers, glues, etc.,) sold in the US, adhering to ASTM D4236-94(2021) is of the utmost importance. You can find ASTM D4236-94(2021): Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards on the ANSI Webstore.
