The following is excerpted from the FAQ section of the Elmer's website:

 I have a milk allergy, are your products safe for me to use?
Our products are derived from synthetic materials, not any type of animal or
milk protein. Of course, if you experience any
kind of allergic reaction, be sure to check with your doctor regardless of
the type of product you are using.

This should answer at least part of the question.  I had the impression that
John Kiernan is correct, that Elmer's Glue-All is a polyvinyl acetate, but I
can't remember why I think this.  Since I can remember being taken to
Madison Square Garden to see Elsie, Elmer and Beauregard, I don't know why
information I picked up as an adult should escape me.  Incidentally, Bob,
can you remember the name of Elsie's teenage niece who lived with them?
That's escaped me too.

Mark Ray
EK Industries

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roy Ellis" <roy.ellis@imvs.sa.gov.au>
To: "Histonet" <HISTONET@pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2001 12:21 AM
Subject: Elmer's glue


> Elmers have a web site at http://www.elmers.com their site also provides
> MSDS for their products although it is not exactly forthcoming with
> information about the exact contents of the various glue types. The MSDS
> page address is http://www.elmers.com/PRODUCT_INDEX/prod_ind.asp
> Regards
>
> Roy Ellis
> IMVS Division of Pathology
> The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
> Woodville Road
> Woodville, South Australia 5011
> mailto:roy.ellis@imvs.sa.gov.au
> Web:http://home.primus.com.au/royellis
>
>