Since I started the fimo (a long time ago!) I saw, read and heard that the polymer clay is bad for health, carcinogenic, causes fertility disorders, legends around it abound . My main concern as a creator of jewelry is the health of my customers (all good commercial will tell you) and all these rumors about the fimo paste I was concerned a little.
To find the answers to these questions, I directly asked the company Staedtler, the company that manufactures the fimo, I had a very fast response followed by a document listing the characteristics of FIMO pastes attesting that this product Is not hazardous to health (the list corresponds to the information given below). The Staedtler person then invited me to contact the company DTM which markets the fimo in France for more information concerning the jewels in fimo.
And here is the information I received:
The FIMO paste, which is manufactured in Germany by STAEDTLER, complies with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 REACH.
REACH concerns chemicals and their thresholds for substances and articles placed on the European market.
Therefore, the FIMO paste does not contain phthalates, lead, cadmium or carcinogens. It also does not contain gluten, dairy or egg products.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions for use, the use of this modeling clay which hardens in the oven is not dangerous for health.
As regards FIMO Kids specifically, being considered to be a toy according to the definition of the Toys Directive 2009/48 / EC, it must respect various European standards, which are the most stringent in the world.
The polymer paste must in particular comply with EN71-5 – Safety of toys: chemical games (boxes) other than chemical test cases. It is also compliant with EN71-3 – Safety of toys: migration of chemical elements. The manufacturer STAEDTLER indicates that it is necessary to respect a temperature of 110 ° C. and not to exceed 130 ° C. Beyond this, there may be emission of harmful gases. Indeed, all polymeric pastes are made of PVC, which contains chlorine (hence the PVC C). Hydrochloric acid vapors can be released if the cooking is excessive. The products are regularly checked by the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations), even marking products we distribute, such as FIMO paste whose records have been recently checked and validated by the French authorities.
So, I think I had all the answers needed concerning the fimo and the fact that it is not dangerous for the health as long as one respects the instructions of use. I hope to have clarified you on this point, if you have any questions do not hesitate!
