Health and Safety

Health Labeling: California Proposition 65

hazard icon The State of Californa requires clear and reasonable warnings on products and/or storage containers containing chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Even if these products contain only trace levels of harmful chemicals, a warning is required by the State of California.

Manufacturers of certain products have included warnings pursuant to California Proposition 65, and caution is recommended when using products marked with the Prop 65 icon.

For more information on Proposition 65, go to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

Safety Data Sheets

In response to the Right-to-Know laws concerning toxic substances in the workplace, Utrecht Art Supply will supply this information to you.

In an effort to make SDS information more easily accessible to our customers, all Safety Data Sheets are now posted online and can be easily accessed directly from our product pages.

To find SDS sheets online, simply go to the page of any product in which you are interested. If an item has an SDS sheet on file, you will see this SDS icon in the item listing table. Click on the icon to directly access the SDS information for that product.

To submit a request for SDS by mail, phone, or fax, please specify the Blick item numbers and give a description of each product for which you need a data sheet. We will review your request and supply sheets for those items that require them. Direct your request to our SDS Coordinator:

Phone 1-877-887-3248 Fax 1-800-621-8293 info@utrecht.com

Paint Storage Tips

Paint products can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which may lead to an odor that is strong, offensive, and in some cases, sickening. In addition, paints such as poster paints and tempera paints that are intended for classroom use and for use by children often contain an organic binder that is subject to degradation if not stored properly or used within a reasonable period of time.

To guard against bacteria and mold, manufacturers of paint products add preservatives to these products. Diluting the product will decrease the effectiveness of the preservatives. To maximize the shelf life of paints, follow these storage tips:

  • Store the product in its original container in a cool, dry place and prevent it from freezing.
  • Date and rotate your inventory, always using the oldest products first.
  • Thoroughly shake the product before using.
  • Remove only enough paint for immediate use. Never return unused portions of paint to the original container.
  • Never dilute the product. The addition of water dilutes the preservative's strength as well as the strength of the paint. If you are diluting paint to simulate watercolor techniques, prepare only enough paint for immediate use.
  • Avoid working directly from the original product container. Do not place brushes, hands, or other objects in the container.
  • After each use, make sure the cap is on tightly and that the product is securely sealed before storing.

All paints are subject to eventual spoilage after they are opened and exposed to air and other contaminants. Most spoilage is a result of cross-contamination from common sources such as air, water, contact with humans, brushes, and other tools. Proper storage and usage will reduce potential sources of contamination and extend the life of your paint products.

Poison Control

If you have a poisoning emergency, call 1-800-222-1222.

If the user has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.

By dialing the above toll-free telephone number, you will be connected to the closest poison control center to your calling location. All poison control centers and emergency room physicians in the U.S. have 24-hour access to toxicological information and generic formulas for products certified by The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. on behalf of its members, including Blick Art Materials.

For additional poison control information, contact:

American Association of Poison Control Centers 3201 New Mexico Ave. Suite 330 Washington, DC 20016 Telephone: 1-202-362-7217 Email: info@aapcc.org Website: www.aapcc.org

California Shipping Restrictions on Gallon Size Solvents and Paint Thinners

Due to a California state law that places limits on the shipping of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Blick Art Materials cannot ship gallon (3.78 liter) containers of paint thinners or multi-purpose solvents to addresses within the state of California. However, smaller containers may be shipped.