Debra Lynn Dadd

PVC & PHLALATES In Baby Products

QUESTION:

Hello Debra,

I had a question about PVC & PHLALATES, I just called the munchkin company about their products containing either one of these chemicals and her response to me (which she wasnt 100% sure)was the phlalates is a chemical added to PVC products. So if the Phlalates are removed from the PVC product then that would make the product with PVC safe. I also have a diaper changing pad made by Serta claiming it has no Phlalates but yet contains vinyl which the company confirmed it's a PVC vinyl.

I wasnt sure if you or any of your readers had any info on this considering i'm rather confused about the whole situation.

Any information would be greatly appreciated... Thank You

POSTED BY ETHEL :: MASSACHUSETTS USA :: 04/20/2009 4:28 PM

DEBRA'S ANSWER:

Phthlates are added to PVC used to make baby products, however, removing it does NOT make PVC safe. PVC is still PVC, which is considered by Greenpeace to be the most toxic and environmentally damaging plastic there is and they have a program to eliminate it.

The only safe plastic to use for baby products is polyethylene.

It has been illegal since February 9 of this year to sell baby mattresses and some other baby products containing phthalates in the United States. But many products and mattresses are still made with PVC (also called, simply, vinyl).

My recommendation is to avoid both phthlates and PVC.

Debra :-)

COMMENTS:

While we're on the topic of PVC, it is understood that PVC is not safe for baby products but what about household equipment. I recently purchased the H2O Steammop and noticed that the container which holds the water is stamped with a 7 and has PVC written under it. When I called the company to ask where the water heats up, I was told that the water heats up as it travels down the handle. I realize that PVC is toxic to the environment, but should I be concerned of toxins leaching out into the house? I have to admit I like the idea of being able to steam my carpet and floors and not have to use chemicals. But I also have an infant and would like to keep as little exposure to her as possible to. Especially if PVC is harmful via air.

One more item I was questioning was synthetic vinyl gloves that are DEHP free?

Thanks so much!

COMMENT FROM DEBRA: PVC isn't good for anybody of any age. It's toxic to the environment, which means all living things, including you.

POSTED BY ETHEL :: MASSACHUSETTS USA :: 04/27/2009 2:20 PM

:: POST YOUR COMMENT

Return to Q&A Blog

Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
Debra's Free Newsletters ~ website update, natural sweetener recipes, words of wisdom
Debra's Bookstore ~ recommended reading on health and the environment
MCS Recovery ~ resources for recovery from multiple chemical sensitivities
Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
Talk With Debra ~ call for a personal consultation (fee)