PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 27, 2026
Reports of undisclosed chemicals in hundreds of art products and toys have left Maine parents and educators questioning whether it is safe to keep using the markers, clay and fingerpaints in their homes and classrooms. Public health advocates say there are no easy answers. While using up the supplies, parents and teachers should increase room ventilation, stop children from drawing on their bodies and enforce hand-washing immediately after craft time. The Portland-based group Defend Our Health is calling on Crayola to remove the carcinogen from its products and give Maine buyers full refunds or nontoxic replacements.