Polymer Clay - Health Concerns

Health Concerns

The safety of using polymer clay is the subject of controversy, specifically the long-term effects of exposure to the phthalate esters used as plasticizers to keep the clay soft and workable until curing. For a summary of the issues and relevant research, see Phthalates. Restrictions on use of certain phthalates took effect in 2009 in the European Union and in the U.S. state of California. Polymer clays are being reformulated with less toxic plasticizers to meet the new standards.

Studies in the USA have included:

• The Arts & Crafts Materials Institute in Boston has tested the major brands of polymer clay and states that they comply with the ASTM D-4236 standard for safety of arts and crafts materials specified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• A study conducted at Duke University Health System summarized the toxicology, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the phthalate esters used in polymer clay formulations and evaluated contamination rates during laboratory simulations and use by professional artists. The study found actual transfer rates to skin, food and mouth to be lower than expected and ingestion rates significantly below established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for all phthalate esters tested.
• The Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Inc. has concluded that the use of polymer clays may lead to unsafe levels of exposure to phthalate plasticizers, especially in children, through accidental ingestion of residue on hands after use.