Over the years, ArtResin has undergone numerous in-depth safety evaluations and environmental tests. We wanted to ensure that the product was safe for use at home or in the art studio, not only so our customers could feel confident, but because we use ArtResin too.
Dave, one of the founders of ArtResin, would like to discuss some of these certifications and past tests with you.
1) Is ArtResin Really Safe?
Yes, ArtResin is safe for home use when used as directed. One of the main criteria when developing our product was to make sure there were no chemicals released that could be harmful. 
We had ArtResin tested at third party labs for leached chemicals using various analytical methods including Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. These tests involved placing cured ArtResin in hot water and solvents and allowing it to soak. The extracted liquid was then burned off and the fumes tested to ascertain the chemical composition.
ArtResin passed 13 different migration and food safety tests, determining that it is fully inert when cured. In other words, no chemical contamination will occur when food comes into contact with cured ArtResin. These tests were in compliance with regulations from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and the European Union. For more information, please see our blog ArtResin Passes Food Safety Tests.
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: Be aware that the safety designations may become compromised with the addition of products into the ArtResin mixture. All of the tests used ArtResin prepared according to label instructions; that is, without colorants or additives, mixed in equal parts by volume, torched to release bubbles and allowed to fully cure for 72 hours. If you wish to add colorant and are concerned about food safety, we suggest applying a layer of clear, non-tinted ArtResin as a final top coat.
_________________________________________________________________________
A Note About Odor:
ArtResin has a very low odor, but it's important to note that what you are smelling is simply an odor and not fumes. In fact, ArtResin produces no fumes or VOCs so any scent you may detect is not an indication of potential danger. However, when it comes to odor, we all have different levels of tolerance. Should you find the odor bothersome when using ArtResin, wear a respirator to make your experience more comfortable.
_________________________________________________________________________
2) Where Is ArtResin Made?
Unlike many other resin companies, we manufacture our own epoxy resin at our facility in Dallas, Texas. We prepare ArtResin to the highest quality and safety standards to protect both our employees and our product. Our facility is certified to be environmentally safe: the raw materials are not flammable or hazardous and are safely stored and handled. We have a containment system in place and our manufacturing process does not require water, so there is no risk of raw materials entering the water system.
_________________________________________________________________________
A Note About Materials:
Our approach to safety starts with the raw materials. ArtResin is a pure formula made from the highest quality ingredients. There are no solvents or cheap diluents in our formula that are commonly used in other epoxy resin brands to stretch the materials. As a result, ArtResin is a complete formula, meaning that all the ingredients in the resin and the hardener react with each other, leaving nothing behind that can become airborne and breathed in. For more information, see our blog How Is ArtResin Non-Toxic?_________________________________________________________________________
3) How Do I Know ArtResin Is Safe To Use At Home?
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has recognized that ArtResin meets safety standard D-4236, confirming that our product is properly labeled and that the claims on our label are accurate and approved by a board certified toxicologist. This is why our label indicates that ArtResin “Conforms to ASTM D-4236” and is “safe for use at home when used as directed".
We also made sure that ArtResin's packaging has clear instructions on how to use the product safely and correctly, guidance on personal protective equipment as well as information on potential allergen risks.
ArtResin also carries the manufacture date on our labels for quality control. The manufacture date tells us exactly when the product was produced and communicates shelf life to the consumer (6 months opened and 1 year unopened from the date of manufacture). We also use it to detail the raw ingredients to ensure traceability. This means we can take quick and corrective action should a potential issue arise. We’re happy to report that we’ve never experienced such an issue, but we have a system in place in the event that it does.
_________________________________________________________________________
A Note About Respirators:
You may have heard that wearing a respirator is necessary when working with epoxy resin: for many resin brands on the market this is true. ArtResin, however, is a clean system, meaning you do not need to use a respirator when using ArtResin as directed and in a well-ventilated area. In fact, a 3rd party toxicologist found ArtResin to conform to ASTM D-4236 with no component of its make-up having been found to be harmful, toxic, hazardous or dangerous when used as directed. Of course, out of an abundance of caution, the choice is always yours to wear a respirator if you wish. You can read more about our ASTM D-4236 certification in our blog ArtResin Is Safe For Home Use.
________________________________________________________________________
4) How Is ArtResin Safe To Ship?
ArtResin is considered non-hazardous for transport which means we can ship our product to you in regular mail or by air. It’s considered non-flammable in its liquid state and non-corrosive. In fact, in one of our third-party tests, liquid ArtResin was poured on a simulated skin model (in other words, ArtResin is not tested on animals) and was found not to hurt the skin model after over 60 minutes of contact. For more information, see our Safety Data Sheet.
_________________________________________________________________________
A Note About ArtResin's SDS:
From day one we wanted to make ArtResin's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) transparent and accessible so you can feel confident about its safety. Our SDS outlines precautionary statements such as personal protective measures when using ArtResin, potential skin or eye irritation and first aid procedures. It advises on the chemical properties of the ingredients, as well as safe storage, handling, transport and disposal considerations. It also includes the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) diamonds. These rating systems indicate health, flammability, reactivity, and physical hazards on a scale from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (high hazard). HMIS also indicates what personal protection equipment should be used when working with ArtResin.
NFPA Rating:
- Health: 1 indicates that the product is not considered toxic. It could cause irritation but only minor residual injury, even if no treatment is given.
- Flammability: 1 indicates that the product requires considerable preheating before ignition can occur.
- Instability: 0 indicates that the product is normally stable, even under fire conditions, is non-explosive and will not react with water.
-
Specific Hazards: this denotes that the product has no specific hazards.
HMIS® Rating:
- Health: 1 indicates that irritation or minor reversible injury is possible.
- Flammability: 1 indicates that the product requires considerable preheating before ignition can occur.
- Physical Hazard: 0 indicates that the product is normally stable, even under fire conditions, is non-explosive and will not react with water.
- Personal Protection Index: C represents that safety glasses, gloves and an apron should be used when working with the product.
5) ArtResin Passed Prop 65
We are happy to report that ArtResin passed the strict testing necessary to comply with Proposition 65, the act that provides warnings to California residents about toxic chemical exposure. Prop 65 is widely considered to be one of the most extensive lists of chemicals known to be carcinogens or cause birth defects and reproductive harm.
_________________________________________________________________________
A Note About Allergies:
It’s possible to be allergic (or to become allergic) to an ingredient that is safe for the rest of the population. This is also true for epoxy resin. Approximately 2% of epoxy resin users will demonstrate allergic symptoms to the basic chemical components of epoxy resin. This means that an epoxy allergy is not specific to a particular brand: If you're allergic to one epoxy resin, you will be allergic to all epoxy resins. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell whether someone will have an epoxy allergy until symptoms present themselves. Allergic symptom(s) typically present as temporary skin inflammation and/or swelling upon exposure.
⚠️ PLEASE NOTE: In the event of these symptoms, regardless of when reactions occur or their severity, allergy sufferers should discontinue use of ALL epoxy resins indefinitely in order to protect themselves.
It's also important to note that allergic reaction is not the same as the serious health complications, including chronic respiratory issues, that may result from exposure to epoxy that contains VOCs/fumes, solvents or non-reactive diluents. For more information on epoxy resin allergies, please see our blog Can You Be Allergic To Epoxy Resin?
_________________________________________________________________________
We believe it's important for consumers to determine if a product is safe before they make a purchase. We are confident that ArtResin is a product that is easy to use, beautiful, and above all else, safe. We hope that all of this information gives you peace of mind to focus on your creativity.
If you have any other questions, feel free to comment below or contact our customer service department at support@artresin.com.
Do you want to learn more about epoxy resin and safety? Read our guides below:
Is ArtResin Safe For Home Use?
What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using ArtResin?
Can You Be Allergic To Epoxy Resin?
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
