ASTM D4236-94(2021)

Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards

ABSTRACT
This practice describes the standard procedure for developing precautionary labels for art materials to provide chronic health hazard and precautionary statements based on knowledge that exists in the scientific and medical communities. These statements concern hazards known to be associated with a product or product component(s) when it is present in a physical form, volume, or concentration that in the opinion of a toxicologist has the potential to produce a chronic adverse health effect. This practice applies exclusively to art materials packaged in sizes intended for individual users of any age or those participating in a small group, and does not apply to products appropriately labeled for known chronic health hazards. Also, this practice does not specify test methods for determining whether a substance or product presents adverse chronic health effects. Labels should include the signal word WARNING, list of potentially chronic hazards, name of chronically hazardous component(s), safe handling instructions, list of sensitizing components, information sources, labeling content and product size, and other supplementary information.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for developing precautionary labels for art materials and provides hazard and precautionary statements based upon knowledge that exists in the scientific and medical communities. This practice concerns those chronic health hazards known to be associated with a product or product component(s), when the component(s) is present in a physical form, volume, or concentration that in the opinion of a toxicologist (see 2.1.11) has the potential to produce a chronic adverse health effect(s).  
1.2 This practice applies exclusively to art materials packaged in sizes intended for individual users of any age or those participating in a small group.  
1.3 Labeling determinations shall consider reasonable foreseeable use or misuse. The responsibility for precautionary labeling rests with the producer or repackager who markets the materials for art or craft use.  
1.4 This practice does not specify test methods for determining whether a substance or product presents chronic health hazards.  
1.5 This practice does not apply to products appropriately labeled for known chronic health hazards in accordance with chemical substance labeling standards and practices, such as another national consensus standard, existing labeling statutes, regulations, or guidelines.  
1.6 Since knowledge about chronic health hazards is incomplete and warnings cannot cover all uses of any product, it is not possible for precautionary labeling to ensure completely safe use of an art product.  
1.7 Manufacturers or repackagers may wish to determine individually or collectively precautionary labeling for art materials in accordance with this practice. Compliance may be certified by a certifying organization. Guidelines for a certifying organization are given in Appendix X1.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2021
• ICS: 97.195 - Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.57 - Artist Paints and Related Materials

Overview

ASTM D4236-94(2021), "Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards," establishes requirements and procedures for developing precautionary labels on art materials. This standard, published by ASTM International, guides manufacturers and repackagers in providing clear information about chronic health hazards associated with art materials based on knowledge recognized by scientific and medical communities. Its aim is to ensure that users-including artists, crafters, and educators-receive accurate, up-to-date information about potential long-term health risks when using art products, especially those intended for individuals or small group use.

Key Topics

• Chronic Health Hazard Identification

  • Labels are based on recognized medical and scientific evidence regarding substances that may cause adverse health effects from prolonged or repeated exposure, such as toxicity, sensitization, reproductive harm, or carcinogenicity.
  • A toxicologist’s review is required for product formulations to determine hazard potential.

• Labeling Elements

  • Signal Word: The word "WARNING" should be used if only chronic hazards are present.
  • Hazard Statements: Clearly indicate the nature of the chronic risks (e.g., "May produce birth defects," "Cancer agent").
  • Component Disclosure: List all hazardous ingredients capable of causing chronic effects.
  • Safe Handling Instructions: Provide precautions such as protective equipment use, ventilation, and hygiene.
  • Sensitizer Identification: Include any substance known to trigger allergic reactions.
  • Information Sources: Contact information or hotlines for poison control and further health information.

• Labeling Scope

  • Applies to art materials packaged for individual or small group use, for users of any age.
  • Reviews must consider reasonably foreseeable use and misuse.
  • Labeling requirements complement, but do not replace, those regarding acute health hazards under other regulations.

• Updating and Certification

  • Product formulations and labels must be reviewed at least every five years or when significant new health information becomes available.
  • Conformance with ASTM D4236 can be indicated via statements like “Conforms to ASTM D4236.”
  • Certification may be carried out by independent organizations according to standard guidelines.

Applications

• Manufacturers and Repackagers: Ensures compliance with regulatory and industry expectations by systematically evaluating product hazards and providing appropriate labeling.
• Retailers and Educators: Allows for informed selection and safe use of art supplies, especially in educational settings or environments with vulnerable populations.
• Consumers and Artists: Empowers users to recognize and appropriately handle materials with potential chronic health risks, supporting safer creative practices.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps organizations satisfy requirements under U.S. regulations, such as the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and international guidelines as referenced in WTO’s TBT Agreement.

Related Standards

• ANSI Z129.1: Provides additional labeling statements and practices for hazardous chemicals.
• Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA): Establishes regulations for hazardous household product labeling in the U.S.
• ASTM D4236 Certification: Recognized by regulators such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• Globally Harmonized System (GHS): International system for classification and labeling of chemicals.
• Other ASTM Paint and Coatings Standards: Address safety, labeling, and health information for wider formulations and uses.

By adhering to ASTM D4236-94(2021) requirements for labeling art materials for chronic health hazards, producers and users alike achieve greater transparency, improved safety practices, and robust compliance with both national and global standards for consumer product safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4236 − 94 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4236; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Uninformed or careless use of some art material products can give rise to health hazards, either
acute or chronic, or both. Specific and readily available warnings are needed to help protect users of
any age. One way to disseminate such information is to provide appropriate precautionary labeling on
art material products.
Labeling for acute health hazards, including those associated with art materials, is being addressed
by such requirements as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSC), the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act, and the like. There are presently no specific national standards for labeling art
materials with respect to chronic health hazards.
This practice is intended to provide a standard for developing precautionary labels concerning
chronic health hazards related to the use of art materials. It is further intended to have the adaptability
necessary to keep labels current with existing scientific and medical knowledge, as well as in
conformity with other precautionary labeling requirements, both acute and chronic, thereby avoiding
unnecessary confusion by users with respect to other precautionary labeling.
1. Scope 1.4 This practice does not specify test methods for deter-
mining whether a substance or product presents chronic health
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for developing
hazards.
precautionary labels for art materials and provides hazard and
precautionary statements based upon knowledge that exists in
1.5 This practice does not apply to products appropriately
the scientific and medical communities. This practice concerns
labeled for known chronic health hazards in accordance with
those chronic health hazards known to be associated with a
chemical substance labeling standards and practices, such as
product or product component(s), when the component(s) is
another national consensus standard, existing labeling statutes,
present in a physical form, volume, or concentration that in the
regulations, or guidelines.
opinion of a toxicologist (see 2.1.11) has the potential to
produce a chronic adverse health effect(s).
1.6 Since knowledge about chronic health hazards is incom-
plete and warnings cannot cover all uses of any product, it is
1.2 This practice applies exclusively to art materials pack-
not possible for precautionary labeling to ensure completely
aged in sizes intended for individual users of any age or those
safe use of an art product.
participating in a small group.
1.3 Labeling determinations shall consider reasonable fore-
1.7 Manufacturers or repackagers may wish to determine
seeable use or misuse. The responsibility for precautionary
individually or collectively precautionary labeling for art
labeling rests with the producer or repackager who markets the
materials in accordance with this practice. Compliance may be
materials for art or craft use.
certified by a certifying organization. Guidelines for a certify-
ing organization are given in Appendix X1.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Subcommittee D01.57 on Artist Paints and Related Materials.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4236 – 94 (2016).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
DOI: 10.1520/D4236-94R21.
2 mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM Practice D4236 has been codified into U.S. law as part of the Federal
HazardousSubstancesAct,15USCS1277.Usersofthisstandardshouldbefamiliar
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
with the law and its regulations. Under this law and its regulations (16 CFR 1500),
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
manufacturers must submit to the CPSC (Washington DC 20207) written criteria
used by the toxicologist to recommend labeling. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4236 − 94 (2021)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- which may or may not have a practical use, but in which
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical aesthetic considerations are paramount.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Requirements
2. Terminology
3.1 To conform to this voluntary practice, the producer or
repackager of art materials shall submit art material product
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
formulation(s) or reformulation(s) to a toxicologist for review;
2.1.1 analytical laboratory, n—a laboratory having person-
such review to be in accordance with Section 4 of this practice.
nel and apparatus capable of performing quantitative or quali-
The toxicologist shall be required to keep product formula-
tative analyses of art materials, which may yield information
tion(s) confidential.
that is used by a toxicologist for evaluation of potentially
3.1.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the producer or
hazardous materials.
repackager,nooneotherthanthetoxicologistshallhaveaccess
2.1.2 art material or art material product, n—any raw or
to the formulation(s), except that the toxicologist shall furnish
processed material, or manufactured product, marketed or
a patient’s physician, on a confidential basis, the information
represented by the producer or repackager as intended for and
necessary to diagnose or treat cases of exposure or accidental
suitable for users as defined herein.
ingestion.
2.1.3 bioavailability, n—the extent that a substance can be
3.2 To conform to this practice, the producer or repackager,
absorbed in a biologically active form.
upon advice given by a toxicologist in accordance with Section
2.1.4 chronic adverse health effect(s), n—a persistent toxic
4 of this practice, shall adopt precautionary labeling in accor-
effect(s) that develops over time from a single, prolonged, or
dance with Section 5 of this practice and based upon generally
repeated exposure to a substance. This effect may result from
accepted, well-established evidence that a component sub-
exposure(s) to a substance that can, in humans, cause sterility,
stance(s) is known to cause chronic adverse health effects.
birth defects, harm to a developing fetus or to a nursing infant,
3.3 To conform to this practice, labeling shall be parallel to,
cancer, allergenic sensitization, damage to the nervous system,
conform to, and minimally include any labeling practices
or a persistent adverse effect to any other organ system.
prescribed by U.S. federal and state statutes or regulations and
2.1.5 chronic health hazard(s) (hereafter referred to as
shall not diminish the effect of required acute toxicity warn-
“chronic hazard”), n—a health risk to humans, resultant from
ings.
exposure to a substance that may cause a chronic adverse
3.4 To conform to this practice, the producer or repackager
health effect.
shall supply a poison exposure management information
2.1.6 label, n—a display of written, printed, or graphic
source the generic formulation information required for dis-
matter upon the immediate container of any art material
seminationtopoisoncontrolcentersorprovidea24-hcost-free
product.Whentheproductisunpackaged,orisnotpackagedin
telephone number to poison control centers.
an immediate container intended or suitable for delivery to
3.5 To conform to this practice, the producer or repackager
users, the label can be a display of such matter directly upon
shall have a toxicologist review as necessary, but at least every
the article involved or upon a tag or other suitable labeling
five years, art material product formulation(s) and associated
device attached to the art material.
label(s) based upon the then current, generally accepted,
2.1.7 producer, n—the person or entity who manufactures,
well-established scientific knowledge. If an art material pro-
processes, or imports an art material.
ducer or repackager becomes newly aware of any significant
information regarding the chronic hazards of an art material or
2.1.8 repackager, n—the person or entity who obtains ma-
ways to protect against the chronic hazard, this new informa-
terials from producers and without making changes in such
tion must be incorporated into the labels of such art materials
materials puts them in containers intended for sale as art
that are manufactured after twelve months from the date of
materials to users.
discovery. If a producer or repackager reformulates an art
2.1.9 sensitizer, n—a substance known to cause, through an
material, the new information must be evaluated and labeled in
allergicprocess,achronicadversehealtheffectwhichbecomes
accordance with Section 5 of this practice.
evident in a significant number of people on re-exposure to the
3.6 Statement of Conformance—“Conforms toASTM Prac-
same substance.
ticeD4236,”or“ConformstoASTMD4236,”or“Conformsto
2.1.10 toxic, n—applies to any substance that is likely to
the health requirements ofASTM D4236.”This statement may
produce personal injury or illness to humans through ingestion,
be combined with other conformance statements. The purpose
inhalation, or skin contact.
of the conformance statement is to inform the purchaser, at the
2.1.11 toxicologist, n—an individual who through
time of purchase, of the product’s compliance with the stan-
education, training, and experience has expertise in the field of
dard. To accomplish this purpose the conformance statement
toxicology, as it relates to human exposure, and is either a
toxicologist or physician certified by a nationally recognized
Two of the larger poison exposure management information sources are: The
certification board.
Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center, West 8th and Cherokee, Denver, CO
2.1.12 users, n—artists or crafts people of any age who
80204; and the National Poison Center Network, 125 De Soto St., Pittsburgh, PA
create, or recreate in a limited number, largely by hand, works 15213.
D4236 − 94 (2021)
should appear whenever practical on the product; however, it that might be expected with any reasonably foreseeable use of
shall also be acceptable to place the statement on one or more the art material. The hazards should be grouped in the order of
of the following: (a) the individual product package, (b)a relative descending severity.
display or sign at the point of purchase, (c) separate explana-
5.3 Name of Chronically Hazardous Component(s)—All
tory literature available on request at the point of purchase, (d)
components and known decomposition products of the formu-
a response to a formal request for bid or proposal.
lationwithapotentialforchronichazards,asdeterminedunder
the procedures of Section 4, shall be listed prominently.
4. Determination of Labeling
Generically equivalent names may be used.
4.1 An art material is considered to have the potential for
5.4 Safe Handling Instructions—Appropriate precautionary
producing chronic adverse health effects if any customary or
statements as to work practices, personal protection, and
reasonably foreseeable use can result in a chronic hazard.
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