Of Mice and Marking Pens

The bright colors of magic markers are a childhood staple, but there can be some bad magic in the toxic fumes that some release. Children are more vulnerable to air pollutants since they "breathe more rapidly and inhale more pollutants per pound of body weight than do adults," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Unfortunately, even pens labeled "non-toxic" can give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like nausea-inducing methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), as researchers found in a 2003 study. All eight brands of markers tested produced disorientation, hyperactivity and gasping in lab mice.

An alternative label recommended by Green Seal is the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) Approved Product (AP) seal. This certifies that products have been evaluated by a medical expert and contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic to humans. Although not a perfect safeguard, since ACMI is a manufacturers' association, it's a helpful screen, says Urvashi Rangan of Consumers Union. Of the three kinds of markers—water-, alcohol- and solvent-based—the last contain the most toxic VOCs, Green Seal says. As a general rule, water-based markers and art materials are considered to be safest; however, the AAP warns, some water-based dyes may contribute to allergic and asthmatic reactions.

What You Can Do

Avoid permanent markers—these are usually petrochemical solvent-based, releasing VOCS.

Choose

* water-based markers (highlighters usually are), but stop using any to which your children have allergic reactions.

* fine-point pens—less ink on the paper, fewer VOCs.

* "low odor" dry erase pens—an alcohol-based alternative to MIBK-based pens.

* Pens with the AP seal, including: BIC Magic Marker (30 for $3.48, www.officedepot.com), Crayola Washable Markers (8 for $3.48, www.officedepot.com), Permapaque (4 for $13, www.reuels.com) and Pigma Graphic markers ($2.26 each, www.misterart.com) Sharpie Poster Paint Markers ($3.19 each, www.reuels.com), Mr. Sketch Unscented (12 for $8.74, www.officedepot.com) and Colorific Markers (10 for $2.82, www.officedepot.com) Retractable Pen-Style Highlighters (4 for $3.74, www.officedepot.com)

Resources

For more AP markers, search www.acminet.org/CPListSearch.html or call 781-293-4100.

www.greenseal.org/cgrs/report.htm.

Handbook of Pediatric Environmental Health, 2nd edition (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2004, $44.95).