Many children's school supplies, such as lunchboxes, backpacks and binders, can be made out of PVC-a toxic plastic that is dangerous to our health and the environment. While it might look like PVC plastic number 3 is made from natural materials (oil and salt), there are a whole host of other chemicals created during the manufacturing process that are harmful to humans and the environment. In a nutshell, PVC plastic is uniquely toxic among plastics because of its highly toxic ingredients which readily migrate into the environment during its production, its use, and its disposal. No other plastic contains or releases as many dangerous chemicals. Don’t be afraid to check a manufacturer’s website or pick up the phone to call about a product that you are unsure of! BPA has shown to cause negative effects on the human brain, development of the reproductive system, and increased blood pressure. PVC; Phthalates; Bisphenols (BPA + BPS) PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) How to identify it: PVC or vinyl, is commonly found in soft plastic toys, with a recycling number 3. This line is under the Haba umbrella, and produces high-quality, nontoxic, plastic toys. June 30, 2012 at 11:39 am. I only wish I knew about the danger when my boys were even younger! Referred to as the “poison plastic”, PVC has been linked to health problems such as cancer and birth defects. According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, children and babies are also at a higher risk of toxic chemicals from PVC. Babies and children are especially susceptible to air pollution and toxins. Playmats that are made from toxic material often have a strange smell. When you have children, you begin to look at things in ways you never did before. Is PVC and Phthalate in toys toxic and dangerous for baby and child. We all know that common polyvynil chloride, or PVC, is best avoided in personal and household use, especially in products and items designed for use by babies and children. PVC is toxic during every stage of its life cycle. Thus, in the last several years, in particular since the ban on phthalates in certain children’s items, manufactuers commenced using phthalate-free PVC. To make matters worse, babies can be exposed to the chemicals that leach from PVC through the air, skin contact, and even ingestion in the case of toys. I'm Eva, the founder, blogger, and product reviewer at Smart Mommy Healthy Baby. Because some plastics can be dangerous and others pretty safe, I decided to dive into all of the plastic number categories to provide the details you need to know. There’s no safe way to manufacture, use or dispose of PVC productsi. Most often used in construction, PVC is a plastic composed of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. HaPe is another great non toxic toy brand great for baby. The raw materials used to make PVC are taken from oil (ethylene) and salt (chlorine). Plastics are generally toxic for humans and for the environment, so avoiding them when possible is your best bet. Meri Meri Gracie Doll: made of 80% Organic Cotton. PVC – the Poison Plastic. Why PVC Should Be Phased Out of Electronic Devices. These are common by-products of factories and plants. Dioxin – Classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP), dioxins build up in the environment and bio-accumulate throughout the food chain. Every day we learn more about how toxic phthalates (and phthalate variants) are, especially to babies’ and children’s small, developing bodies. In addition, PVC plastic requires toxic additives, including heavy metals such as lead, endocrine-disrupting phthalates, and toxic flame retardants, in order to be made into stable and usable consumer products. Plus if you’re on a budget, making the switch to wooden toys is generally more expensive. Odor. Conventional baby mattresses can be made with vinyl/PVC, chemical flame retardants, toxic adhesives, and fabrics that have gone through various chemicals treatments, and can emit toxic chemicals and harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To ensure your child has a safe playing environment with non-toxic, plastic toys then follow these guidelines: Avoid PVC: This is easily enough done—just don’t buy anything with a resin #3 in the chasing arrows. Apple park: organic cotton . With 10 years of parenting experience across three children, I am constantly learning how to raise children more naturally. Chemicals to avoid when choosing bath toys. The 2008 law banning phthalates from children's toys does not cover the PVC in school supplies, with which our children come in contact on a daily basis. Baby jumpers can be fun for babies and a true joy for parents. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with others! Once finished, the product will be extremely tough, difficult to burn, and impact resistant. Avoid melamine. If a mat is made from toxic materials, this may trigger skin allergies. Additives like lead, phthalates and cadmium can leech out of toys and are especially dangerous when your child puts them in her mouth. The most non toxic option would be 100% PVC doll such as Apple Park Organic Plush Baby or Haba First Baby Doll. We stock the best baby plastic bottles for baby: they are all BPA free, PVC free, phthalate free and lead free. Besides that, Acrylic’s manufacturing process, if not properly monitored can result in an explosion. There are three main chemicals that you should avoid when purchasing bath toys. We all know that common polyvynil chloride, or PVC, is best avoided in personal and household use, especially in products and items designed for use by babies and children. While non-toxic toys are wonderful is so many ways, there is a downside to non-toxic toys and that is…the price. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer the most common use of which in its “unplasticised” rigid form is as a building material compounds, siding, magnetic cards, blinds, and similar hard industrial applications. Unfortunately, many cut-rate companies that produce their products overseas with little safety oversight or regulation will probably not be so careful. It is generally accepted that emissions from the manufacturing and disposal of PVC cause both environmental and human health concerns. Also polyurethane foam is petroleum-based, therefore, it emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds) even without flame retardant chemicals. Chewing or playing with children’s toys can cause PVC to leach and migrate. TY Goes Non-toxic! The best non-toxic bath toys; Scroll down to learn more. To inform that non-PVC common are usually labeled a PVC-free. Comments . When Can a Baby Use a Jumper or Exersaucer? Harmful Phthalates . Compared to their weight, babies tend to eat and drink way more than adults as well – a bigger opportunity for exposure through ingestion. Hydrochloric acid – A potent acid that can cause damage by releasing acidic mists into the air. Over time, they can leach out and absorb through the skin (like your dog’s gums) and cause damage to their liver and kidneys. Acrylic fibers are highly inflammable and not easy recyclable nor biodegradable in the environment. To make matters worse, toxic emissions are elevated during sleep due to increased body heat. Spielstabil. Why go to all the trouble to avoid toxic PVC (vinyl) plastic?? Filed Under: Healthy Baby, Healthy Home Tagged With: health risks of PVC, polyvinyl chloride in the home, PVC dangers, tips to avoid PVC, toxic plastic, toxic toys. Non-toxic baby feeding products crafted from bamboo are the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic utensils. Bamboo is softer than stainless steel, which is optimal if the steel option appears a bit risky. Bright colors, spinning toys, and a bouncing motion that doesn’t tire out mom or dad’s arms: what’s not to love?