Blog
Baby Products Packaged in PVC
Alicia Voorhies
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Many of us are aware of the dangers of PVC. Made from the flammable gas vinyl chloride and then often combined with phthalates, PVC poses a threat from its inception to its afterlife in the landfill. We work hard to locate baby products made from safer materials, only to have them arrive in PVC packaging. So, the question arises: should we be concerned about contamination of our BPA- and PVC-free products from its own packaging?
The project Healthy Toys, of the non-profit Ecology Center, provides us with some answers. The program was initiated to address the failures of our current governmental system to regulate chemicals in products. They test the outer layers of various children’s products for hidden dangers such as lead and chlorine using a handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device.
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.
I quickly noticed that several teethers and pacifiers I knew to be PVC-free actually tested at moderate levels for chlorine/PVC. This is worrisome because those products go straight into the mouth of a baby. So I immediately contacted Mike Schade, the PVC Campaign Coordinator for the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ). I asked Mike his thoughts about the possibility of a non-PVC product becoming contaminated after being packaged in PVC.
Mike’s response was helpful as always: “I haven’t heard of any studies that looked at whether or not additives in PVC packaging, such as phthalates, lead, cadmium, or organotins, could migrate out and attach itself to a toy. We do know that additives in PVC food packaging or wrap will typically migrate into the food.” He did feel there may be a chance that the chemicals could transfer.
Thankfully, PVC packaging is slowly being phased out across the country. Corporations like IKEA, Target and Sassy have committed to eliminating PVC packaging in favor of safer alternatives. Many eco-minded companies have taken care to avoid PVC in packaging from the very start. Manufacturers like Thinkbaby, Green to Grow, KidBasix, Silikids and Natursutten use either glass, paper/cardboard, polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or no packaging at all.
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell by looking at a product if it is packaged in PVC. But Healthy Toys has already proven that chlorine from a PVC package can transfer to at least the surface of a toy. I suggest thoroughly washing all new toys housed in firm, clear packaging with hot soapy water and distilled vinegar. Also follow the manufacturers directions for boiling new pacifiers (skip this step for teethers and toys, as they won’t handle it well). In the meantime, we’ll watch for more definitive research to be completed by organizations like Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH).
Looking for more tips on avoiding toxic plastic? Download our free Guide to Feeding Baby Safely.
Posted by Baby Photo Junkie on 12/10/2008 at 02:26 PM
Very informative article. These are things that the majority of parents don’t even consider when opening up that new toy for your baby.
Posted by Chloe on 12/04/2008 at 02:27 PM
BEWARE of SOPHIE THE GIRAFFE bath toy - packaged in highly toxic (leaching) #3 plastic! UGH!
Posted by Baby Toy Enthusiast on 10/29/2008 at 02:35 PM
I appreciate the information and think that there are many people who don’t even consider the hazards that PVC poses to our children. Thanks again for the insight and I will continue to seek out baby toys that are environmentally friendly and safe for my child.
Posted by Kathy on 10/17/2008 at 12:15 PM
Great article Alicia!
Posted by Nina on 10/17/2008 at 08:44 AM
Thank you Alicia for taking the time to research things so the rest of us don’t have to. I continue to depend on you as the source for BPA free information. Keep up the great work!!
Posted by Jason on 10/17/2008 at 06:48 AM
Thanks for being so cutting edge with all your articles. I appreciate the research you do to keep us all informed and keep our children safe.
Posted by Kirstin on 10/16/2008 at 05:55 PM
Thank you for this great article!
Posted by Go Natural Baby on 10/16/2008 at 11:12 AM
The bottom line is that PVC has no business being a part of any product for children, even packaging. Consumers need to let companies know that they want healthy, safe products that come in healthy packaging.
Posted by Rebecca on 10/14/2008 at 11:47 AM
I love all your articles. Very informative! Thanks! Hope all is well.
More comments:
Posted by childrens boutiques on 06/25/2009 at 10:12 PM
Well, speaking of teethers, I highly recommend an environment-friendly alternative that I myself have tried. It is called an amber teething necklace. They are sold in a lot of pharmacies in a few countries, and in online children’s boutiques. Amber is a natural material, and you don’t have to worry a bit because they are not meant to be chewed on, but to be worn! Just wear the amber necklace on your little one and she’ll get instant relief from the pains and discomfort of teething. This is because amber has an amazing therapeutic and soothing property that’s been proven ages ago!