A Guide To Health & Safety Icons

Prop 65

The State of California requires clear and reasonable warnings on products and/or storage containers containing chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

AP Seal

Products bearing the AP seal of The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) are certified non-toxic. A product can be certified non-toxic only if it contains no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, or to cause acute or chronic health problems. 

CL Seal

Products bearing the CL seal of The Art & Creative Materials Institute (“Caution Label”) contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous, but can still be safely used in controlled environments if directions on the container or packaging are followed. 

Corrosive

This symbol warns against chemicals that may cause damage on contact.

Explosive Materials

This symbol represents chemicals, substances, or any workplace occurrence that may cause an explosion. 

Flammable

This symbol highlights flammable chemicals or substances that can ignite.

Health Hazard

This is a general COSHH hazard symbol that indicates that there are substances dangerous to health present, and they may cause irritation, dizziness, or allergic reactions.

Hazardous for the Environment

This symbol represents the risk of substances that can cause serious damage to the environment.

Oxidising 

This symbol represents chemicals that can have a dangerous reaction with other chemicals. It could also mean anything that acts as an oxidiser, which could increase the intensity of a fire.

Serious Health Hazards

This symbol represents serious long-term threats to health, such as if a hazard can lead to death if swallowed, affect fertility, or lead to cancer.

Toxic

This symbol represents chemicals that can cause a lot of damage in small quantities such as when inhaled, swallowed or in contact with skin.

Vegan

A symbol of mindful consumption and cruelty-free choices. It represents a dedication to providing sustainable, plant-based alternatives that embody compassionate living.





Understanding Safety Labels on Art Materials

Art supplies can contain chemicals, some of which may pose health risks. Understanding the symbols and labels on products can help artists make informed choices about the materials they use. These labels indicate whether a product is non-toxic, poses a long-term health risk, or requires special handling.



ACMI

In the United States, The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) was established in 1936 to improve the safety of children’s art materials. Before its founding, there were no standard safety indicators on packaging.

In 1982, ACMI expanded its certification program to include professional art supplies. They also introduced additional safety seals to ensure transparency regarding potential hazards.

For a comprehensive understanding of safety certifications, visit the ACMI website, which provides details on the AP (Approved Product) and CL (Cautionary Label) seals found on art materials.

While these seals are not mandatory, many manufacturers choose to obtain them to assure customers of product safety.


Regulations and Compliance

In some regions, regulations mandate clear warnings about certain chemicals. For example, California’s Proposition 65 requires warnings on products that contain substances known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Learn more about Prop 65 here.



CLP Pictograms

In the European Union, many art materials feature red-bordered, diamond-shaped hazard pictograms, which indicate potential health and environmental risks. These symbols comply with the CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulation, which standardises hazard communication across the EU. Artists should familiarise themselves with these labels to ensure the safe handling and proper disposal of materials.

More information about EU chemical regulations can be found on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website.



Lead-Based Products

Lead-based paints and products have been banned in the UK and EU due to their severe health risks. While historic artworks and restoration projects may still use lead-based pigments under strict regulations, modern alternatives have been developed to ensure both safety and performance.

To learn more, read ‘The History of Lead White Oil Paint and its Modern Alternatives’.
Historic England - Technical Guidance - Sourcing Lead Paint

Some symbols found on artist materials relate to quality rather than safety. For example, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards assess paint lightfastness and durability. The Blue Wool Scale is also used to measure how resistant a pigment is to fading when exposed to UV light.



Latest Updates

  • Minnesota has issued a guideline for the restriction of lead and cadmium in various product categories as provided under Minn. Stat. § 325E.3892.

    In May 2023, the governor of Minnesota signed HF 2310 (Chapter 60) into law to regulate, among other things, products containing lead and cadmium (SafeGuardS 66/23).

    Under this law (Minn. Stat. § 325E.3892) the lead and cadmium content in the following 15 product categories is restricted to 90 ppm (0.009%) lead and 75 ppm (0.0075%) cadmium.

    This includes chalk, crayons, paints, and other art supplies.

  • Michael Harding USA Recall – Read the latest update on Michael Harding's recall of specific Lead and Cadmium products in the USA.



Further Reading

Understanding Safety Data Sheets for Art Materials

Explaining Carcinogen Warnings On Artists’ Materials

A Guide to Studio Safety


Stay informed and always check product labels for the most up-to-date safety information before use.