ASTM D 4236
Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic Health Hazards

This method describes a procedure for developing cautionary labeling for art materials and provides hazard and precautionary statements based on knowledge that exists in the scientific and medical communities. A 1988 amendment to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act called the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA) requires the use of this standard in art materials labeling for all artists’ materials manufactured for any kind of artist, including children, and sold in the United States.

All products manufactured by Natural Pigments are labeled according to this standard.

Reading Warning Labels

Below is a typical health hazard label for a lead-containing product, such as a lead white oil paint. This label can give you a fair amount of information about this product.

The warning label has the following components:

1. Signal Word: The signal word tells you the extent of the hazard. DANGER is the most serious, followed by WARNING and CAUTION respectively. DANGER is used for products that are highly toxic, corrosive, or extremely flammable. WARNING or CAUTION are used for substances that are less hazardous. WARNING is also used for products that only have chronic hazards. Some manufacturers also place symbols on the label to indicate the degree and type of danger. This is mandatory in Canada.
2. List of Potential Hazards: This section lists the known significant acute and chronic hazards under reasonably foreseeable use of the product. The hazards should be listed in order of descending severity and should specify hazard type.
3. Name of Hazardous Component(s): This contains a list of the common or usual names of hazardous ingredients and known hazardous decomposition products, with acutely hazardous ingredients listed first. If there is no common name, then chemical names should be used. This should include known sensitizers present in sufficient amounts to cause allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.
4. Safe Handling Instructions: This section should include appropriate precautionary statements concerning fire safety, work practices, ventilation, and personal protection.
5. First Aid: This section includes recommendations for emergency first aid.
6. Other Statements: If the product has any warnings, it should state it is not suitable for use by children. All properly labeled art materials must carry the statement "Conforms to ASTM D-4236" or the equivalent.
7. Sources of Further Information: This must include referrals to a local poison center or 24-hour emergency number. It can also refer to the availability of Material Safety Data Sheets or other information.

Sample Label

WARNING! CONTAINS LEAD
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause anemia, nervous system or kidney damage, or harm to developing fetus. When using, do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash hands immediately after use. Should not be used by pregnant women. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. See Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
Conforms to ASTM D-4236.
(Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or importer or poison control center)