Minnesota Clay Co. USA has always been a leader in informing artists, teachers, and consumers about potential hazards involved in ceramics. For artists who want to use the same techniques and
materials as the great masters, handling of hazardous materials is a
necessity. We seek to identify risks, to help our customers find
materials that are safe and appropriate. When they must use
hazardous materials, we want our customers to be informed, so that
they will handle those materials properly. MSDS Sheets
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.
Minnesota Clay Co. USA is concerned about your safety.
We are members of ACMI and we feel it is important that
our products are certified under the ACMI program.
Products must bear the proper health and safety labeling to
ensure that artists, hobbyists, and other consumers have
lifelong health protection and safety information about the
art materials they use.
 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.
Minnesota Clay
Co. USA 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 trimming tools 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. 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.
Absence 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. |