Toxic Markers
This information comes from Bart Johnson in Landscape Architecture, who discovered a strong physical reaction to toxic felt markers. There may be others who benefit from this information.
I wanted to pass on to you some non-toxic markers that are locally available. You can purchase the Liquitex Basic Art markers at the bookstore, in a black box package of eight colors. They are acrylic based, but seem to have no odor and are labeled non-toxic. I notice no ill effects from them.
There are definitely some markers labeled "non-toxic" that are problematic.
I imagine "non-toxic" is based on some industrial solvent standards related to human health risks that are not necessarily keyed to chemical allergies. MOST "water-based non-toxic" markers are okay -- if they are really fully water-soluble and do not use some solvent to enhance drying capabilities. However, some are not as convenient to use as these (brush shape, etc.)
The Liquitex markers are water-resistant and may or may not easily come off a hard "white board." I haven't tested that yet, but rather use newsprint, since I usually want to keep and collate the comments anyway. You definitely need to check any markers before using them on a white board to see if they will come off!
Lizard 37 Fall 97
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Last Modified:
03/18/10