PVC plastic = Poison

In light of the current concern over BPA in plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, etc., have you considered the other poison plastic in your environment? It's PVC, you know, that white plastic used in pipes. Well, it's also known as vinyl and is used in children's toys, bibs, plastic lunch boxes, shower curtains, car interiors, etc. etc.. And, guess what?! It's "one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. PVC is dangerous to human health and the environment throughout its entire life cycle, at the factory, in our homes, and in the trash. Our bodies are contaminated with poisonous chemicals released during the PVC lifecycle, such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates, which may pose irreversible life-long health threats. When produced or burned, PVC plastic releases dioxins, a group of the most potent synthetic chemicals ever tested, which can cause cancer and harm the immune and reproductive systems.



PVC is useless without the addition of a plethora of toxic additives, which can make the PVC product itself harmful to consumers. These chemicals can evaporate or leach out of PVC, posing risks to children and consumers. One of the most common toxic additives is DEHP, a phthalate that is a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxicant readily found in numerous PVC products. Children can be exposed to phthalates by chewing on vinyl toys. While it is still legal for US retailers to sell PVC children’s and baby toys containing dangerous phthalates, the European Parliament voted in July, 2005 to permanently ban the use of certain toxic phthalates in toys. "



Another problem with PVC (vinyl) is during the manufacturing process lead is used as a stabilizer, which in effect means toys made of vinyl (PVC) contain lead, often high concentrations of lead. We all know lead paint can be a problem, but did you know the same problem occurs in toys and other products made of vinyl?



In November and December of 2007, Sears, Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target announced plans to begin phasing out products and packaging containing PVC, In February 2008, Toys 'R US began reducing PVC use and is moving towards a goal of offering PVC-free products. They also announced that by the end of 2008, juvenile products must be produced without the addition of phthalates. Sounds good, but keep in mind there are still a lot of toys on the market filled with toxic chemicals. You can search the Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys, and see for yourself. Here's a few examples: The Fisher Price Medical Kit (which my children received for Christmas) contains lead, PVC, mercury, and arsenic, and the Baby Tap-a-Tune Piano by Little Tikes, contains cadmium.



So, what can you do?


Air out new vinyl products. One EPA study found that vinyl shower curtains can cause elevated levels of dangerous air toxins, which can persist for more than a month. Do you know that smell from a new shower curtain, window shade, car interior, or anything else made of vinyl? Well, that smell is toxic and can last for more than a month. I suggest airing new vinyl products outside before using. Or better yet. Don't buy vinyl!


Consider removing any PVC pipe from within your house. There are many safe alternatives.


Purchase toys at reputable dealers like those mentioned above and avoid "dollar store" type toys.


Only buy baby bibs made of material other than vinyl, or look for bibs that are labeled PVC or Vinyl Free.


Get rid of, or test, children's costume jewelry purchased before March 1, 2008. Retailers were required to stop selling lead-tainted children's jewelry (notice the regulation if only for children's jewelry) on March 1. Suspect jewelry includes: dull looking metal, fake pearls with pearlescent coating, and plastic or vinyl cords or bracelets (that includes all my daughter's jewelry!)


Buy soft vinyl lunchboxes from companies that have committed to only sell lead-safe lunchboxes. These companies are: Ingear, Fashion Accessory Bazaar, Lisa Frank, Big Dogs, Accessory Network Group, Baby Universe, Buy Baby Buy, Romar Accessories, Silver Goose. Test or avoid soft vinyl lunchboxes altogether. Reusablebags.com sells a variety of lunch bags that are lead free.


Avoid vinyl diaper bags since many have been found to contain high levels of lead by the Center for Environmental Health.


Check the Center for Environmental Health's news section for up to date information.