The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association sponsors the Eraser Certification Program. This program ensures that products which carry the PMA Certification Seal meet all federal, state and voluntary standards. The program reviews all of the components used in the manufacturing of erasers before they can be utilized.

Erasers were not reviewed separately from pencils until 1988. Eraser manufacturers requested separate eraser certification in response to chronic health hazard labeling developments. The Manual of Procedure was amended in 1988 to include separate eraser certification.

The Eraser Certification Program covers all erasers which are sold separately from pencils, including refill erasers, flat (hand-held) erasers, combination flat erasers (pencil and ink), cap erasers and eraser sticks/core/strips (including erasers for machines).

Dr. Woodhall Stopford, MD, MSPH, a renowned toxicologist from the Duke University Occupational Health Department, serves as the PMA medical advisor. Materials cannot be used in PMA approved programs unless they meet very strict requirements. Dr. Stopford's contact information is: phone: 919-286-5744; fax: 919-286-5647; email: woodhall.stopford@duke.edu.