Is it ok to eat polymer clay?
Quick Answer
No
Polymer clay is not edible and should not be consumed. It is a type of modeling clay that is cured by baking in an oven. Ingesting polymer clay can lead to serious health issues.
What Is It?
Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from PVC, plasticizer, and pigment. It is often used for arts and crafts, particularly for making jewelry, figurines, and home decor items.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting polymer clay poses several health risks.
- Choking hazard: Small pieces of polymer clay can pose a choking hazard, especially for children.
- Toxicity: Polymer clay contains chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. These include phthalates, which are known to be endocrine disruptors.
- Digestive issues: Eating polymer clay can lead to digestive issues, including stomach pain and constipation.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a safe, edible alternative to polymer clay for crafting, consider using play dough or salt dough instead. Both can be made at home with common kitchen ingredients and are safe to eat, although they don’t taste very good.