Is polymer clay toxic

Over time, details change or people misunderstand.

Jump to main content. Contact Us. Reference Type. Technical Report. Hidden hazards: health impacts of toxins in polymer clays. Author s.

Is polymer clay toxic

The general consensus is that polymer clay is non-toxic, but that it is advisable to take certain precautions, "just in case". However, take all of these precautions with a grain of salt. Honestly, chances are that the Double Whopper with cheese you ate for lunch is more of a health risk than polymer clay. Practice safe claying, but don't let safety concerns take all the fun out of clay, and certainly don't let fear keep you from giving it a try. Here's a list of guidelines for the safest use of polymer clay:. As long as clay is baked at the correct temperature, there are no unusual "fumes" to worry about. You may notice a slight smell, but this is normal. If it bothers you, or if you do a lot of curing, you may want to cure out of doors or use a vented oven. If nothing else, you can open windows while you bake. It is when clay is cured at excessive temperatures that it burns and releases those "toxic fumes" you've probably heard of. These fumes are hydrochloride gas or "hydrochloric acid gas" , and while that sounds scary-- and they're certainly not something you want to produce when curing clay-- the fact is that it has no chronic effect.

Polymer clay is arguably the best art media for exploring the use of color. Some are stronger than others.

Recently on one of my PC groups, one of the members — Jai — noticed that she was experiencing symptoms that included dizziness, skin irritation, and feelings of confusion or lethargy. You can read about it on her blog. Come to find out, polymer clay is really a form of Poly Vinyl Chloride, or PVC, and contains phthalates , which are present in many house hold items. But they are not considered risk-free. The major concern with phthalates as been inhaling vapors, like during curing. However, there is some concern that you can also absorb phthalates through the skin. Is my love affair with polymer clay over???

If you spend any time online reading about polymer clay you will doubtless read the ominous warnings that other clayers tell you. And yet we read on the label that polymer clay is non-toxic. What is going on here? What is safe? What is not? Is Polymer Clay Safe with Food? Cutlery, bowls, and plates need to be washed in suitably hot water and need to be dipped in a disinfecting bath if washed by hand. Or run through a hot dishwasher. Polymer clay can readily withstand a few trips through the dishwasher, but the heat and caustic soap of a dishwasher can cause polymer to change color or break down over time.

Is polymer clay toxic

Polymer clay is a modeling clay or art. It is a man-made plastic, made from polyvinyl chloride PVC resin and plasticizer. It is versatile clay. You can make jewelry, pendants, toys, etc. It is easy to work with it for making crafts and arts. But is polymer clay toxic?

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Well, Sara, thanks for your insightful comment and colorful vocabulary. Like the other polymer clay myths, this one has a nugget of truth and a lot of misunderstanding. Here's a list of guidelines for the safest use of polymer clay:. From all the research I have read, there has been many tests done with polymer clay and the majority of the safety concerns is heating clay to blackening or burning. I am fairly new to polymer clay and was wondering if you have any additional information around the reformulation of polymer clays with alternative plasticizers to comply with CPSIA of So if you use that meat mallet to texturize your clay, don't use it to pound the steak for supper. Some people worry about curing clay in the same oven that they use for baking food. Almost There. No fear, my friends, and happy claying! Even when clays are prepared following proper package directions, children and adults can breathe or ingest high levels of phthalates. No particles should go down the sink or you risk plugging your pipes. Use clay-dedicated tools.

No, polymer clay is non toxic and perfectly safe to work with. There are no risks associated with working with polymer clay because all major brands are tested and certified.

For another look at the topic, read this down-to earth treatise on the subject Polymer Clay Central. There are thousands of scientific studies backing up the safety of genetic engineering and confirming the safety and nutritional equivalence of non-organic foods. Recently on one of my PC groups, one of the members — Jai — noticed that she was experiencing symptoms that included dizziness, skin irritation, and feelings of confusion or lethargy. Yes, it can be used in the microwave to warm drinks, but not for very long. I read most of your blog posts and it put my mind at ease, but the questions still seem to remain, about what if theres a chance my child or children may still get sick from it? Did you realize this post is about 7 years old? Scroll to Top. You know those white pipes under your sink, same stuff. So just don't do it. Saludos cordiales. If you happen to be claying and walk through the kitchen one time and your hands end up in the bag of chips, I would not be concerned in the slightest. When used as directed. The old phthalates had a smaller molecular size, so they migrated out easier.