Resources
Information from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
The California Education Code Section 32064 prohibits schools from ordering or purchasing any product that contains toxic or carcinogenic substances for use in grades K-6. The law also restricts the purchase of such products in grades 7-12, allowing the use only if the product bears a label informing the user of the presence of hazardous ingredients, the potential health effects, and instructions for the safe use. This restriction applies whether or not the product is included on the list of unacceptable art and crafts supplies.
Section 32066 of the Education Code requires that OEHHA develop a list of art and crafts materials "which cannot be purchased or ordered" for use in kindergarten or grades one through six.
Accordingly, we are providing you with a list of unacceptable products -- those which "cannot be purchased" for use in kindergarten through 6th grade. The products are those listed among the Arts and Creative Materials Institute's (ACMI) determinations of products that require a "Caution Label," downloaded July, 2021. Other art and craft materials on the list are products recalled in the past two years, as well as those brought to OEHHA’s attention as bearing health hazard labels.
For more information, you can refer to the guidelines that OEHHA has developed for the purchasing and safe use of art and craft materials in schools, along with a fact sheet with quick tips for the safe use of art and craft materials.
Other Resources
California Department of Education, Visual and Performing Arts
Free source of used materials. By reusing materials, we conserve energy, resources, and landfill space, while reducing disposal, green house gas emissions, and purchasing costs.
Tools for Schools Program (USEPA)
Indoor air quality in schools
US Public Interest Research Group: Safer Schools Supplies Shopping Guide
Consumer Guide for Finding Non-Toxic School Supplies
Documents
Art Materials that cannot be purchased for use in kindergarten through 6th grade (2022) Aug 31, 2022
Smart Marker Choices for the Classroom Aug 6, 2019
Art and Craft Materials in Schools: Guidelines for Purchasing and Safe Use Aug 6, 2019