Consumer Product Safety
We Certify that We Ship Lead Free Products in Compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)
Read the Press Release (HTML)As a family-owned company for all of the 90 years of our AMACO history, it’s been our mission to develop safe products, safe labeling procedures, and the highest standards for safety in products created for use in schools and studios. To that end, AMACO has built a state-of-the-art digital databank to produce Certificates of Conformity for all products shipped in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which mandates that all products manufactured for use by children be certified lead-free.
All AMACO Products are certified by the Art & Creative Materials Institute and Adhere to Safe Labeling Guidelines. After our own Ceramics Laboratory formulates safe products, they are sent to Duke University Medical consulting toxicologists for product evaluation. Toxicological screening includes evaluation of raw materials, product safe-use instructions, labeling and takes into consideration any possible misuse of the product. All Federal and State regulations are followed and guidelines are constantly changing to keep pace with new research and studies on product safety issues. Appropriate testing on products, raw materials and their packaging is performed by Kirby Memorial Health Center (an ILAC certified laboratory) before final certification by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). Since 1940, ACMI has managed a certification program for art materials which assists end users in determining which products are appropriate for their use based on safety considerations. AMACO is proud to be one of the original members of ACMI and works closely within the group to assure that product safety is always a prime consideration.
School administrations and parents need the reassurance that children are not exposed to harmful ingredients, including lead. Our new Consumer Product Safety Certificates of Conformity certify that we only ship lead free products. In addition to safe product formulations, teachers also need to know the safest procedures for using art materials, as do professional artists and potters; that’s why in 1976 AMACO helped ACMI develop safe labeling procedures for ceramic glazes and other formulated products. Not all labels are created equal! AMACO glaze labels show lead free certification by ACMI with safety information.
Lastly, but with great importance, children need the consistency and reliability of quality products that can ensure their success in the classroom. That’s why teachers specify AMACO glazes over all others! AMACO® … America’s Most Trusted Glaze. We have trademarked that tagline for all the reasons above!
The first AMACO lead free glaze was developed in the 1950’s (called the “F Series”) which continues to be a top seller in schools with bright, glossy colors that children choose for school projects. Today, there are nearly 600 AMACO lead free glaze colors approved and evaluated by ACMI and in compliance with what may become 2011 federally mandated levels. Presently, all AMACO glazes exceed federal standards for safe formulation.
Distributors of AMACO products may contact their Key Account Manager or Customer Service Representative to find out more about obtaining CPSIA Certificates of Conformity. For inquiries about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and AMACO Compliance, please contact Steve Lampron, Ceramic Engineer & Vice-President Technical Services slampron@amaco.com.
Read brief biography on Vice-President of Technical Service, Steve Lampron.
