Editing Polymer clay (section)

==Health and safety==
Polymer clay safety is the subject of concern specifically regarding the long-term effects of exposure to certain [[phthalate]] [[plasticizers]] that have been classified as [[endocrine disruptors]].<ref name="Hazards">{{cite web| url=http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/Polymer-Clays-Hazard-VPIRGJul02.htm| author=Miller S.| title=Health Impacts of Toxins in Polymer Clays| year=2012| access-date=2012-12-19| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215212318/http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/Polymer-Clays-Hazard-VPIRGJul02.htm| archive-date=2012-12-15}}</ref> When used as a toy or child care item, in the [[United States]], it should not contain more than 0.1% of any of the six phthalates restricted or banned by the safety regulatory board according to the [[Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act]] (CPSIA). These six phthalates are: DEHP (Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate), DINP (Di-isononyl phthalate), DIDP (Di-isodecyl phthalate), and DnOP (Di-n-octyl phthalate). If the instructions on the package are followed (i.e. low temperatures and brief baking times) one will not burn the clay. If the clay does burn because of a mistake or if the oven malfunctions, a small amount of [[hydrogen chloride]] gas could be released, which may cause odor and some eye or nose irritation. The amount of hydrogen chloride gas released from the clay could cause a health problem.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zhang |first1=Mengmei |last2=Buekens |first2=Alfons |last3=Jiang |first3=Xuguang |last4=Li |first4=Xiaodong |title=Dioxins and polyvinylchloride in combustion and fires |journal=Waste Management & Research |date=July 2015 |volume=33 |issue=7 |pages=630–643 |doi=10.1177/0734242X15590651 |pmid=26185164}}</ref>

Due to the testing requirements and regulations, clay products that would be used to hold or serve food or beverages are not recommended or intended for these applications. Plasticizers remain in the cured product and can leach out, making it a potential health hazard for both the modeler and end user. Restrictions on use of certain phthalates took effect in 2009 in both the European Union and United States.<ref>[[Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act]]</ref> Not all phthalates pose a health hazard and some are approved for medical applications.<ref name="Approved">{{cite web| url=https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM294086.pdf| author=FDA| title=Guidance for Industry Limiting the Use of Certain Phthalates as Excipients in CDER-Regulated Products| website=[[Food and Drug Administration]]| year=2012| access-date=2012-01-10| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301165851/https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM294086.pdf| archive-date=2012-03-01}}</ref>