With recent news and increased concern for the safety of different consumer products such as toys or art products from China, we have received an increase in inquiries regarding the potential for exposure to lead in pencils.

As mentioned on our Pencil Lead page there is no lead in the writing core of a "lead" pencil. The core is made of non-toxic graphiteⁱ and does not contain lead.

The other common concern regarding potential sources of lead in pencils is in the lacquer or paint used to finish the pencil.

Believe it or not . . .
There's no lead in pencil lead!

The center of the pencil -- known as the writing core -- is made of a non-toxic mineral called graphiteⁱ.

Click here, if you are looking for more information on the safety of pencils with respect to lead content.

Early Graphite Use.