The new AP (Approved Product) Seal, with or without Performance Certification, identifies art materials that are safe and that are certified in a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems.  This seal is currently replacing the previous non-toxic seals:  CP (Certified Product), AP (Approved Product), and HL Health Label (Non-Toxic) over a 10-year phase-in period.  Such products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, and the U. S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA). Additionally, products bearing the AP Seal with Performance Certification or the CP Seal are certified to meet specific requirements of material, workmanship, working qualities, and color developed by ACMI and others through recognized standards organizations, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  Some products cannot attain this performance certification because no quality standard currently exists for certain types of products.

The CL Seal identifies products that are certified to be properly labeled in a program of toxicological evaluation by a medical expert for any known health risks and with information on the safe and proper use of these materials.  This seal is currently replacing the HL Health Label (Cautions Required) Seal over a 5-year phase-in period.  These two Seals appear on only 15% of the adult art materials in ACMI's certification program and on none of the children's materials.  These products are also certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, and the U. S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA).

reference: www.acminet.org

Are you a label reader? If so, you might notice that the Health and Safety information on our labels is different from that of other artist material manufacturers. Much of the industry uses the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) AP and CL Seals on their labels, and for many years we did as well. AP stands for APPROVED PRODUCT and is usually accompanied by the word "Nontoxic". CL is an abbreviation for Cautionary Label, and is used when risk and safety information is required on the label.

Several years ago, we introduced a new symbol for our products that do not pose significant health risks during use, formerly "AP Nontoxic" products. This symbol is an image of a playing marble. The marble symbolizes that although relatively safe, the products should still be kept out of ones mouth.

Our concern with the "nontoxic" message was for several reasons. First, potentially toxic chemicals are likely present at some level in all products, regardless of risk assessment; second, it is inappropriate to assume that all possible chronic hazards of chemicals are currently known; and third, personal exposure should be prevented when using chemical products. Over the years, feedback from our customers indicated that reading "nontoxic" on the label implied the paints could be used for things we did not intend; such as body painting, painting with the fingers or tongue, tattooing, and decorating dishware.

X Means Harmful
So how do users quickly differentiate between products that do and do not pose significant known risks? Products deemed to present a significant risk under conditions of foreseeable use, based upon Federal guidelines (ASTM D 4236), carry the European symbol for a harmful product, which is a prominent black X on an orange background. All GOLDEN cadmium colors are included in this group in order to draw attention to the fact they should not be spray-applied. Other GOLDEN products carrying the X symbol and related warnings include Varnishes, Acrylic Flow Release, and GAC 900.

reference: www.goldenpaints.com

Flame Symbol

This symbol is used on products which are highly inflammable. During use, ensure good ventilation and do not smoke, eat or drink. Occurs primarily in several mediums and varnishes.

St. Andrew's Cross

This symbol is used on products which are highly inflammable. During use, ensure good ventilation and do not smoke, eat or drink. Occurs primarily in several mediums and varnishes.

reference: www.oldholland.com

Within the EC, color materials for children (for example finger-paints and School Paint) fall under the legislation for toys. This legislation sets out the requirements the products have to meet if they are intended to be used by children up to the age of 14.

 
This compulsory symbol (a so-called CE Marking) indicates that the product meets the health and safety guidelines as set down in the European guidelines.The CE marking is required for many products. It states that the product is assessed before being placed on the market and meets EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements.

reference: www.talens.com

European standard EN 71 specifies safety requirements for toys. Compliance with the standard is legally required for all toys sold in the European Union.

reference: www.sculpey.com