Is Polymer Clay Toxic If Ingested?

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a type of modeling and sculpting clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles mixed with plasticizers and coloring. It is an oil-based modeling clay that can be shaped, baked, and hardened into permanent 3D creations. Popular brands of polymer clay include Sculpey, Fimo, Premo, and Cernit.

There are several types of polymer clay including original/traditional, translucent, metallic, glow-in-the-dark, stone, chalk, and liquid clay. Polymer clay is used for arts and crafts such as jewelry making, figurines, decorative items, doll making, and more. Unlike natural clay like potter’s clay, polymer clay can be hardened and retains its shape after baking without the need for firing in a kiln.

Common Ingredients

Polymer clay is made from several ingredients that give it its unique properties. Some of the most common ingredients found in polymer clay include:

• Vinyl polymers – These plastic polymers provide the basic material that can be molded and shaped. Common vinyl polymers include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl acetate.

• Plasticizers – Plasticizers are added to vinyl to make the clay more flexible and workable. Phthalates are commonly used plasticizers, allowing the clay to bend and sculpt.

• Fillers – Fillers like chalk or kaolin clay are added to modify the texture and feel of the clay. They make it easier to condition and smooth.

• Color pigments – Pigments are added to give polymer clay its vibrant colors. These are typically safe, inert minerals that provide rich hues.

The specific ingredients and their amounts vary between polymer clay brands and lines. But knowing the common components can help evaluate safety.

Is Polymer Clay Toxic?

Whether or not polymer clay is toxic depends on the specific ingredients used in each brand. While some polymer clay is labeled as non-toxic, other types contain chemicals that could potentially be harmful if ingested.

Polymer clay is made from PVC, along with various plasticizers and color pigments added. Some of the concerning ingredients to look out for include:

• Phthalates – Used as plasticizers, phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption and other health issues.
• Lead – Trace amounts of lead are found in some colors of polymer clay. Lead is a neurotoxin.
• Cadmium – A heavy metal used in bright colors like reds and yellows. Cadmium is highly toxic.

So while polymer clay labeled as non-toxic may live up to that claim, brands containing phthalates, lead, cadmium or other concerning additives could potentially pose health risks if ingested.

Risks of Ingestion

There are several potential health risks associated with ingesting polymer clay:

First and foremost is the choking hazard if a large piece is swallowed. Polymer clay can get lodged in the throat or digestive tract, potentially causing choking or blockage. This is especially dangerous for small children if they put polymer clay in their mouths.

There are also concerns that toxins could potentially leach out of polymer clay over time if ingested. Some of the chemicals used to make polymer clay have come under scrutiny. While polymer clay is normally inert, there is a small chance that in an acidic environment like the stomach, trace amounts of chemicals could be released over prolonged exposure.

Those with sensitivities may experience allergic reactions if they ingest polymer clay, as it contains diverse chemical ingredients. Rashes, itching, swelling and other symptoms are possible.

Lastly, there are rare reports of potential kidney or liver damage if large amounts of polymer clay are ingested. However, this claim is controversial and not conclusively proven. Most experts say routine ingestion of small or accidental amounts is not a serious health risk.

Documented Cases

There are very few confirmed cases of polymer clay poisoning or illness resulting from ingestion. The majority of claims that polymer clay is toxic when swallowed are anecdotal and not backed by scientific evidence or medical documentation.

In 2010, the Craft Yarn Council of America commissioned a toxicological risk assessment of polymer clay. The study analyzed various brands of polymer clay, including Sculpey and Fimo, and found no evidence of toxicity. The report concluded that brief exposure to properly cured polymer clay, such as through incidental ingestion, does not pose a measurable health risk.

A literature review published in 2018 examined reports of adverse effects from polymer clays but found most were unverified. Out of the thousands of artisans estimated to work with polymer clays, only a couple dozen unconfirmed cases of symptoms like headache, fatigue or skin irritation have been self-reported after ingesting clay.

There are no documented cases of anyone suffering serious or long-term health consequences from accidentally swallowing a small amount of polymer clay. However, the lack of scientific evidence does not conclusively prove polymer clay is completely harmless if ingested.

Safety Precautions

When working with polymer clay, it’s important to take safety precautions, especially when young children are involved. While the risks from incidental ingestion are low, it’s best to avoid putting polymer clay in your mouth.

Supervise children when they work with polymer clay, and instruct them not to put it in their mouths or eat it. Ensure they wash their hands after sculpting to remove any traces of clay.

Research the specific ingredients in your polymer clay brand. Some may contain chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction through skin contact in sensitive individuals. Work on a clean, protected surface.

Although polymer clays are considered non-toxic, it’s smart to treat them carefully and avoid ingestion. Taking simple precautions allows you to enjoy polymer clay without worry.

FDA Regulations

Polymer clay is not regulated by any specific rules from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does regulate products like modeling clay that are specifically marketed to children, insisting they pass safety tests for chronic hazards like lead. But polymer clay is considered an art material for use by adults and does not fall under these rules.

That said, reputable polymer clay manufacturers voluntarily submit their products for independent testing to ensure they are safe. Some brands like Sculpey and Fimo have passed tests from the Art and Creative Materials Institute, indicating their clays meet safety standards for trace metals and ingredients.

Expert Opinions

Melissa Muir, owner of The Happy Clay Company, states: “In my 20 years of working with polymer clay, I’ve never heard of anyone getting sick from incidental ingestion. As long as you’re not literally eating it or letting babies put it in their mouths, polymer clay is very safe to use.”

According to Sculpey: “Our products meet or exceed all safety requirements set by ASTM D-4236. While our clays are non-toxic, they are not intended to be eaten. We recommend handling Sculpey products the way you would handle any art or craft supply.”

Angela Mabray, polymer clay artist, says: “I let my kids use polymer clay. As with anything, supervision is key. Polymer clays like Sculpey have undergone extensive testing and been around a long time. There’s no evidence they cause harm if accidentally swallowed in tiny amounts.”

Craft test lab engineer Patricia West states: “All popular polymer clay brands contain ingredients approved by the FDA and ASTM. Significant ingestion could cause an obstruction, but incidental contact during normal use should not pose a major health risk.”

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to polymer clay that are considered non-toxic and safe for children or others who may be prone to putting clay in their mouths.

Natural Clays

Natural clays like air-dry clay and cornstarch clay are made from food-grade ingredients like cornstarch, flour, and salt. These clays are safe if ingested. However, they may be more prone to cracking or crumbling during sculpting.

Play-Doh

Play-Doh is a moldable clay designed for children ages 2 and up. It’s made from wheat flour, water, salt, and other natural ingredients. While not recommended for eating in large quantities, Play-Doh is considered non-toxic if ingested.

Modeling Clay

Modeling clays like plasticine and oil-based clays are made from non-toxic ingredients like wax, clay, and food dyes. They have a smooth, malleable texture good for sculpting. Modeling clay is generally safe if ingested in small amounts.

The Bottom Line

Based on the available information, occasional use of polymer clay seems to be safe for most people. However, there are some precautions that should be taken:

– Supervise children when using polymer clay and make sure they don’t put it in their mouths.

– Avoid ingesting or eating polymer clay. While small amounts are unlikely to cause harm, larger amounts could potentially lead to intestinal blockages.

– Research the ingredients in your specific polymer clay brand and purchase ones that limit compounds like PVC. Reputable brands test their products for safety.

Overall, polymer clay is considered non-toxic when used properly for arts and crafts. Just take reasonable precautions, especially when children are using it. For most hobbyists, it can be shaped into beautiful, safe creations.