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List of Toxic Art & School Supplies

As parents are often wary of protecting their children from dangers lurking at school and home, perhaps art and school supplies should receive a good, hard look. If you check over the ingredients contained in some school and art supplies, you'll see that it's clear that many of them are toxic.

  1. Writing Materials

    • Some writing tools, such as markers, sharpies and pastels, contain toxic materials. Markers that contain xylene are highly toxic to humans. Also, avoid markers that contain ethyl and propylalcohol, as well as methyl isobutyl ketone. These ingredients are irritants known to cause headaches, dizziness and nausea, according to the Illinois General Assembly website. Sharpie markers, manufactured by Sanford corporation, contain dangerous chemicals that are absorbed via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Oil pastels contain toxic pigments; and lead and chromate are irritants found in many oil pastel sticks.

    Painting Materials

    • Painting requires the use of solvents, additives and other chemical agents. Paints themselves contain harmful chemicals. Oil paints are known to contain turpentine, which is toxic if absorbed through the skin. Tempera paint is highly toxic to humans; it contains pigments and preservatives that consist of tetrachloroethane, which has potential to cause severe liver damage. Spray paint containing the ingredient toluene severely irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. Toluene fumes induce headache, nausea and narcotic effects when inhaled. Paint thinners are harmful and are often fatal if ingested. Boiled Linseed Oil, manufactured by Sunnyside Corporation, is mixed with metal salts. It is a highly toxic and flammable paint thinner. Turpentine presents symptoms of confusion, headache, cough and sore throat upon inhalation. Ingesting turpentine can be fatal. Do not induce vomiting if turpentine is ingested, and seek medical attention immediately.

    Adhesives

    • Certain glues and adhesives should be used with extreme care or avoided altogether. The Department of Public Health website's warns against using spray adhesives, rubber cements and epoxy glues in poorly ventilated areas. Purchase spray adhesive that does not contain acetone, which is a mild surface irritant. Rubber cement often contains an acetone/toluene solvent that is known to irritate skin and is toxic upon inhalation. Epoxies that must be mixed prior to use cause headache, fatigue and dermatitis. Protect skin by wearing gloves when working with epoxy glue.

    Carrying Cases

    • Book sacks, binders and lunch boxes are often made of PVC plastic. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) releases dioxin, a highly toxic chemical, over time. According to the WTHI-TV website, Americans are exposed to up to 1,000 times more dioxin than the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe. Dioxin contributes to diseases such as obesity, asthma and cancer.

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