Posts Tagged ‘acmi’
Proper use and knowledge of your art materials makes them safe. Always read the label on all art supplies you use so you will know they have been evaluated and are non-toxic or need special handling to avoid possible health hazards from misuse. Check for a ACMI seal this will tell you that a qualified toxicologist evaluated the product for both acute and chronic hazards. Or, you may see other indications that the product conforms to ASTM D 4236, the chronic hazard labeling standard that is now part of the U.S. labeling law. Purchase only products with the ACMI Non-Toxic Seals [CP, AP, and HL (Non-Toxic)] for young children, the physically or mentally handicapped, and any persons who cannot read or understand the safety labeling on product packages. Observe good work habits and teach them to others. Always follow the safety instructions.
What is ACMI?
The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) is a non-profit association of manufacturers of art, craft and other creative materials. Formerly known as The Crayon, Water Color & Craft Institute, Inc., it was re-organized and expanded in 1982 to include more types of art materials and was re-named The Art & Craft Materials Institute, Inc. The name of the association has recently been changed to The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. to more accurately reflect the wide variety of materials in its certification program. Since 1940, ACMI has sponsored a certification program for children’s art materials, certifying that these products are non-toxic and meet voluntary standards of quality and performance. ACMI’s certification program has received the endorsement of experts in the field of toxicology and is one of the finest industry programs in existence. The program has been a responsive one, evolving to meet new challenges and to include ever more products. 
In 1982, the program was expanded to include certification of a broad spectrum of art and craft materials, including adult products, ensuring that health warning labels are affixed on adult materials where appropriate. All children’s materials certified by ACMI are non-toxic and cannot bear health warning labels. Today ACMI has over 220 members and has certified over 60,000 art, craft and other creative materials. ACMI seeks to create and maintain a positive environment for art, craft and other creative materials usage; to promote safety in these materials; and to serve as an information and service resource on such products. In these ways, ACMI provides leadership, guidance, and education to all to achieve greater participation in art, craft and other creative activities.
If you are unsure if the cheap art supply you want to buy is ACMI certified, have a look at their website where you can search their entire database and see for yourself if the product is certified. You can find their list here
