Is Non-Toxic the Best We Can Do For Our Children?

LOHAS Journal Thursday, November 5, 2009

Healthy Living Tips for Children.
By Diana Mercer, founder Clementine Art.

During a tot’s art class at my children’s art studio in Boulder CO, a parent discovered that her toddler had placed a spring green paintbrush in her mouth, much like a lollipop. We both flinched as the paint smeared around her little girl’s lips, fully coating the inside of her mouth.

Springing to action, we rinsed and wiped her daughter clean. This mother turned to me with a worried look and asked, “Is this really ok?”

“Our paint is non-toxic.” I replied with assurance. For more than 20 years as a teacher, I have understood that non-toxic is as good as it gets for children’s art supplies. The label ‘non-toxic’ means that a product is not related to any toxin or poison. I am confident that this means it will not kill anyone. For many years, The American National Standards Institute (ASTM) has been certifying that art supplies meet non-toxicity standard ASTM D-4236 and that any toxins will be clearly listed on the label.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has this to say:

Parents and others buying art materials, school supplies and toys such as crayons, paint sets, or modeling clay should be alert and purchase only those products which are accompanied by the statement "Conforms to ASTM D-4236."

Like many people, I have lately become concerned about the environment and more aware of health issues as they relate to my food, cosmetics, and other consumer choices, I buy organics when I can, bring grocery bags to the store with me, and ride my bike instead of getting in the car so often.

After the paint-in-the-mouth incident, I felt besieged by unanswered questions about what children’s paint is made of. I wondered why the ingredients aren’t available to me on the label? The colors, odor, and seemingly infinite shelf life of children’s paint made me wonder what kind of chemicals, synthetic dyes, and preservatives were contained in my non-toxic bottle of paint.

As a consumer, I have been concerned by news that widely distributed toys from China were discovered to contain excess levels of lead paint; that a ubiquitous children’s dough is reportedly made using a petroleum base; and that art materials contain synthetic dyes that have been linked to a wide variety of health issues in children including allergies, ADHD, and a variety of cancers.

I love art, and children. As an art teacher, I want to provide children with safer choices. On my short list, I’d like a product that is made with natural ingredients that I can pronounce. I’d like to purchase them from a company that is honest enough to list their ingredients right on the package. I want art materials that are safe for children, and the environment.

Clementine Art was founded on the principle that we can do better for children. Clementine is committed to providing all natural, and non-toxic art supplies for children made from simple, and wholesome ingredients.
Clementine Art creates pure, natural and healthy art supplies for families. Clementine is art you can feel good about. The high quality art supplies are made with all natural ingredients, certified non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Clementine packaging is made of 100% post consumer recycled and reusable materials. Clementine Art founder Diana Mercer has more than 20 years experience in the early childhood and art education classroom, Diana Mercer has developed a deep respect for children, and for the role of creative exploration in healthy child development. Learn more www.clementineart.com

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