Su Salud y Seguridad es importante para nosotros

• Labeling of Hazardous Materials
• Additional Health Labeling: California Proposition 65
• Material Safety Data Sheets
• Paint Storage Tips
• Poison Control

Labeling of Hazardous Materials

The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) is a non-profit trade association of art and craft materials manufacturers. Since 1940, ACMI has conducted a certification program in which product formulas are analyzed by a renowned toxicologist and certified by ACMI as non-toxic or properly labeled. ACMI certification also ensures compliance to state and federal labeling regulations.

Products bearing the AP seal of the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) are certified non-toxic. A medical expert evaluates each product and its ingredients. 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. AP certification is reviewed by ACMI's Toxicological Advisory Board. These products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D-4236 and federal law P.L. 100-695.

Spondylus recommends that when you purchase art materials, particularly for classroom and institutional use, you should carefully consider the ultimate consumer. In cases where a product may be used in pre-school or primary school classes (K-6), or in environments with physically or mentally challenged persons who may be unable to read or understand safety labeling, you should purchase materials which are AP certified non-toxic products. This will ensure that even the most sensitive populations can safely enjoy art and craft activities.

 Products bearing the CL seal of the Art & Creative Materials Institute ("Caution Label") contain ingredients that are toxic or hazardous, but they can be used safely with appropriate caution. Materials that bear the CL seal should be used only by those persons who are able to read, understand, and follow suggested safety precautions for handling those materials. The Caution Label signifies that although the product contains a toxic element, it can be handled safely if the directions on the container or packaging are followed. Many such art products cannot be made non-hazardous, but are necessary for certain creative activities. When used in properly supervised and controlled conditions, they can be enjoyed with complete safety.

Many of the materials we sell are not reviewed by ACMI. We feel that it would trivialize the health and safety issues in the arts if we told you that scissors are sharp and kilns are hot. Our goal is to identify hazards that might not be known to our customers, and where possible, to identify safer alternative products. We also seek out products that promote health and safety in the arts, and we urge our customers to use them.

Some art materials manufacturers are not members of ACMI; this is particularly true of foreign manufacturers, from whom we import some of our finest color lines. Many of our office and graphic arts products, such as marking pens, adhesives, or screen printing chemicals, do not come from ACMI manufacturers. Always read labels and instructions, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use. Young children should always have careful supervision when using art materials. Think of safety issues before you allow children to visit your studio. For products that do not have ACMI certification, we sometimes include a specific cautionary label of our own.

ACMI labeling indicates that a product has passed through a vigorous review process. Absense of the ACMI caution label does not indicate that a product is safe for use by children. Please read all labels and instructions before using art materials. Be an informed customer. We try to inform our customers of important health and safety issues, and we invite your comments on this issue.

Additional Health Labeling: California Proposition 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. Even if these products contain only trace levels of harmful chemicals, a warning is required by the State of California.

Manufacturers of certain products have included warnings pursuant to California Proposition 65, and caution is recommended when using products marked with the Prop 65 icon.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Paint Storage Tips

Paint products can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can lead to a strong, offensive and in some cases, sickening odor. Paints such as poster paints and temperas that are intended for classroom use, and for children, often contain an organic binder that is subject to degradation if not stored properly, or used within a reasonable period of time.

To guard against bacteria and mold, manufacturers of paint products add preservatives to these products. Diluting the product will decrease the effectiveness of preservatives. Below are some tips on storing paint products to maximize their shelf life:

• Store the product in its original container in a cool, dry place and prevent freezing.
• Date and rotate inventory, always using the oldest stock first.
• Thoroughly shake the product before using.
• Remove only enough paint for immediate use. Never return unused portions to the original container.
• Never dilute the product. The addition of water dilutes the preservative's strength as well as the paint. If diluting paint to simulate watercolor techniques, prepare only enough for immediate use.
• Avoid working directly from the original product container. Do not place brushes, hands, or other objects in the container.
• After each use, make sure the cap is returned tightly and that the product is sealed before storing.

All paints are subject to eventual spoilage once opened and exposed to air and other contaminants. Most spoilage is a result of cross-contamination from common sources such as air, water, people, brushes and other utensils. Proper storage and usage will reduce potential sources of contamination and extend the life of your paint.

Poison Control (American Association of Poison Control Centers)

 
Si usted tiene una emergencia acuda al hospital mas cercano de inmediato.

For additional poison control information: