Policy 6161.3 - Toxic Art Supplies

Toxic Art Supplies

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to protect the health and safety of students in the selection of materials used for instruction in arts and crafts activities.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the purchase, use and proper disposal of arts and crafts materials which insure that the health and safety of students is protected from harmful exposure to toxic substances. These procedures shall be developed in accordance with information provided by the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health Services.

In no event shall arts and crafts material be purchased for use in grades K through 6 which contain toxic substances or cause chronic illness as determined by the State Department of Health Services.

In grades 7 through 12, the purchase of arts and crafts materials containing toxic substances is permitted if the products are properly labeled to warn of potential adverse health effects in accordance with the requirements of Education Code 32065. The Superintendent shall develop procedures that insure extreme care when those materials are incorporated into the classroom instruction process.