Arts and Crafts the Safe Way

Indoor activities are an important part of the childcare day especially during the colder months and the heat of the summer when outdoor activities become less frequent. Arts and crafts are fun and educational for young children, but caregivers must always think of safety when doing arts and crafts projects.

Art project injuries may occur quickly when children inhale dusts, vapors, gases, powders, and aerosols. Organ damage, especially to the lungs, may quickly occur from inhaling dangerous fumes and absorbing them into the bloodstream. In addition, children also may be at risk for injuries from ingesting art materials because they are naturally curious and often experiment by placing objects in their mouths. Finally, children may experience allergic reactions after skin contact with some art materials. Caustic substances or toxic materials may cause serious side effects.

Age Ranges

At the age of three, a child can use crayons and follow simple instructions. However, at this age, a child's attention span is no longer than a few minutes, so plan projects accordingly. Children two years old are able to color, but may be tempted to sample their materials! Using glue in a project for a child under age three only creates more work for you.

Supervision

When starting a new project, children should be given clear and simple directions and be continually monitored to make sure they are following safe and proper procedures. Injuries can occur if a child is distracted or playing instead of working on their project. Sharp objects can easily cause injuries while children are "goofing around." Encourage the children to speak up if they have any questions.

Age Appropriate

Make sure the materials required for the project are age appropriate (as indicated on the manufacturer's label) and appropriate for the individual children in your care regardless of their ages. For example, when is it safe to use blunt scissors versus pointed scissors? Most four-year-old children can manipulate blunt scissors, but there will be a few four-year-olds who are not ready to do so yet. Children younger than age four should not use scissors, and safety scissors are probably the best choice for children up to grade four.

It may help to have materials precut. When deciding which glue product to use, evaluate each child's abilities. Three- and four-year-old children are able to handle a glue stick much better than a squirt type of glue. The question to ask is, "Can this child master the instruments being used or can an injury occur?" Follow basic developmental milestones and assess each child's development to help guide your decisions about what projects to undertake and what materials to use.

Safety

The materials used for a project should be the safest available. It is especially important to check labels for safety when using glues that can present an inhalant hazard. Check labels for the term "non-toxic" when selecting glues, paints, crayons and chalks. School glue, watercolor paints, modeling clay and crayons manufactured in the U.S. usually are non-toxic. Tempera paints and chalk are low in toxicity, but may stain clothes; so wearing a large T-shirt to protect clothing may be beneficial.

Remember, latex balloons are choking hazards. Can a Mylar balloon be used instead of a wire form when doing paper mache creations? For children less than age three, any object with a diameter less than 1 1/2 inches is a potential choking hazard if put in the mouth, and it is normal for toddlers to test their environments by placing objects in their mouths. Even if a product is nontoxic, it still may be a hazard. For example, when children are expressing their creative side with sand art, remind them to be careful not to rub it in their eyes.

Know about all the materials you are using for your art project--even the seemingly familiar ones like plants and food. Plants can create beautiful and colorful projects, but be sure to identify every berry, leaf, flower and seed before incorporating them into masterpieces. The seeds of the morning glory and four o'clock are especially toxic, while pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds are not, although they may become trapped in the intestine if swallowed. Verify whether plants are toxic or poisonous in any way by contacting your local poison center.

Raw kidney beans are toxic and as few as four or five uncooked kidney beans can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in just a few hours after ingestion.

Choose a safe work area. For all projects, the work space should be well-ventilated and allow for air circulation. Working on projects outdoors is ideal; if you are not able to work outdoors, use fans and open windows to improve air circulation and avoid fume build-up. Make sure you and the children wear the protective gear recommended on the product's label. Gloves, masks, safety goggles, and smocks are good bets for protecting clothes, hands, and eyes.

Safe clean-up is key. Reduce the risk of injuries by making sure art supplies, paint, and other materials are stored safely and properly. Immediately after opening, put the lids back on paints or glues. After finishing your art projects, immediately clean the workspace and art materials thoroughly. Dispose of any chemicals, solvents, or glues as recommended by the product's label. Mop the floor right away if any spills occurred, and keep drying projects out of children's reach. Finally, make sure children wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove any residual paint or glue from their hands.

Allergies and Emergencies

Watch for allergies and reactions. Some children may experience unexpected allergic reactions when using art materials, so careful observation is necessary. If a child has a known allergy to peanuts or nuts, avoid using these items in your craft projects; some children experience severe reactions from simply inhaling nut aromas.

Be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Even though you have taken safety precautions and used only age-appropriate art materials, emergencies can still occur. Have the number of the local poison control center handy, as well as a telephone in case a child accidentally swallows a product or has an allergic reaction. Do not hesitate to call, especially in the case of an ingested product. Have the product label nearby so you can accurately answer the operator's questions about the product.

Arts and crafts can be loads of fun and safe, too. Just remember that adult supervision is a key element in any project. Use nontoxic products that are not choking hazards, and ensure that the necessary supplies are age appropriate. Then, all that is left to do is create a "work of art."

Ann P. Slattery, Supervisor of the Regional Poison Control Center of Alabama

RESOURCES

Always call the National Poison Center Hotline, 800-222-1222, before treating a possible poisoning. American Association of Poison Control Centers, 3201 New Mexico Ave., Ste. 310, Washington, DC 20016. Visit their website, www.1-800-222-1222.info

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1233 20th St., NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036; 800-7-ASTHMA; www.aafa.org

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