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How To Choose Safe And Non-Toxic Stationary For Your Children


Creative education and arts and crafts are extremely important for the development of a child’s cognitive abilities. It promotes learning and encourages them to explore their creativity. When it comes to buying stationery, children are often attracted to the strong fragrance and funky colors of the erasers, markers, crayons, etc. which is exactly the reason why they are made that way. However, we as parents never give it a second thought and don’t bother reading the instructions or the list of ingredients given at the back of the stationery products. However, it is important to read these instructions to see if there are any hazardous substances such as petroleum, heavy metals, toxic additives, parabens, and phthalates present in these stationery items.

Most of the bright-colored and strong fragrant stationery items contain toxins that are not healthy for children. These toxins can seep into the skin through their little hands and directly get into their bloodstream. Children do not have well-developed immune systems and are more vulnerable to these toxins. This will allow them to explore their capabilities without compromising their health. In this article, we will discuss how you can choose safe and non-toxic stationeries for your children.


Avoid Using Very White Paper

We may associate an extremely white paper with high quality and cleanliness. However, very white paper may cause damage to children’s eyesight. The brightness of children’s textbooks or papers must not be more than 85% as it causes their eyes to feel tired and heavy. For this reason, yellow paper is much better than white paper as its brightness is less than 85%, making it healthier for children’s eyes.
Avoid Scented Stationery

Children’s stationery specifically consists of fruity fragrances that make these items more appealing to these children. These scents are harmful and contain inhalants. Inhalants are industrial chemicals that contain volatile vapors that may cause intoxication when inhaled through the nose or mouth. There are scented pens, erasers, and crayons, available in the market that are not healthy for kids. The good news is that there are products available that are environmentally conscious and aren’t harmful to your children whatsoever. You can do a bit of research to find out more about the colored markers available in the market to ensure that they’re safe for your kids. Prismacolor markers are all the rage and you definitely want to try them out for your kids to create beautiful works of art. When it comes to the more harmful options, it’s important to note that when children bring these items closer to their mouth and nose to smell them, they may inhale these hazardous vapors. This can cause redness, itchiness, or burning sensations in children’s throats. In severe cases, it may even cause respiratory issues. This is why you must opt for stationery that does not contain strong fragrances.

 

Environmentally Safe Stationery

If you are out shopping for stationery, you must choose products like markers, paints, etc. that are environmentally safe and non-toxic. The product packaging must indicate that it is safe. Other details including the product name, factory name, caution language, manufacture date, and shelf life must also be written over the packaging.

Here is a list of products that are toxin-free and safe to use:

Glues and adhesives

Safe to use glues are glue sticks, white wood glue, for example, Elmer’s school glue, adhesive tape, and white library paste. However, you must try to avoid using spray adhesives, contact cement, model glues, rubber cement, and super glue.

Drawing materials

Safe to use drawing material includes water-based, unscented markers, colored pencils, toxin-free crayons, and colored pencils. Avoid dry-erase markers and permanent markers.

Paint

The water-based children’s paints are safe to use in both solid and liquid form including paint pans, tempera, and poster paints. Stick to these rather than oil-based paints, acrylics, powdered paints, artists’ paints, and paint thinners when it comes to using paint for children-related activities.

Craft Pieces

It is important to provide safe use of craft materials to children. You can use metal-free pieces, cotton balls, fabric, buttons, beads, and yarns. Steer clear of using craft pieces that contain metal such as jewelry, or charms as they may contain lead in them.

Modeling Clays

If you want to ensure that your modeling clay is safe to use for children then, it is best to make your own. However, if that is not possible then you can opt for non-polymer clays such as Earth-based clays, air dry clay, play-doh, or oil-based clays. You must avoid using polymer clays as they contain harmful toxins that are dangerous for children.



Exposure to toxic chemicals present in markers, paints, glues, and glazes can cause headaches, nausea and can even lead to causing cancer. This is why you must try and opt for stationeries that are made from safe and non-toxic substances. In the early years of education, children must be allowed to express themselves creatively through painting, drawing, or through crafts. It aids them in their mental, emotional, and cultural development. It teaches them about emotional resilience, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Art supplies give them the freedom to turn their ideas into reality through art tools. So it is extremely important to use safe supplies to not hinder their growth.