Plastic Toy Precautions
by Shannon LeMintier
Ever noticed how children have an obsessive need to chew on anything and everything as a way of exploring life and breaking in those new pearly whites? Worried about germs and bacteria as your little one gums and gnaws? “It will make her immune system stronger” pipes my not-so germ phobic husband. But I worry a step further about the chemicals she may be ingesting that could potentially damage her development. Potential interference with her hormone system, behavioral effects, early onset of puberty, fetal development, various cancers…all from a cute rubber ducky or sippy cup?!
It is being debated politically and scientifically as to whether or not phthalates and bisphenol-A cause the above mentioned physical conditions (and more, for that matter) and should be removed from plastics. Phthalates are chemicals added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic to make them flexible and perfect chewing material for little ones. Phthalates are easily leached from plastic since they are not chemically bonded to PVC plastic. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is used to make polycarbonate (PC) plastic which is found in clear plastic baby bottles, reusable water bottles and many food containers. It is a hormone disrupting chemical shown to leach from PC type plastics.
Since plastics are undeniably a huge part of our modern life and may seem like a daunting step to remove every potential mouthable piece of plastic, here are just a few tips to make your children’s life safer:
- Buy PVC - Free soft plastic toys and teethers. Better yet, try to keep harmful plastic toys out of baby’s mouth! Choose wooden toys from such brands as Haba, Selecta, Plan Toys and Holztiger.
- Avoid polycarbonate (PC) plastic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The “PC” and “PVC” labeling is usually found in or near the recycling triangle. Choose plastic labeled #1, #2, #4 or #5 which can be recycled in local municipal recycling facilities. Most foods containers are marked with the type of plastic it is made of. However, many items used daily in your little ones life are not. Call or e-mail the manufacturers to ensure it is bisphenol-A and phthalates free.
- Never heat food or beverages in plastic. Heat milk or formula outside the bottle and once cool place in bottle for immediate consumption.
- Avoid harsh detergents and high heat from the dishwasher with plastics.
- Once plastic becomes hazy or scratched, throw it out. Not only can these chemicals leach from the wear and tear, but bacteria loves to hang out in the cracks and crevices.
- Choose glass or safer plastic baby bottles (like the Born Free bottles) to avoid leaching of BPA into milk. Safer sippy cups can come in the way of stainless steel (with no epoxy coating) as well as new bio-based plastics or non-polycarbonate products.
- Use metal or organically grown bamboo feeding utensils and choose enamel, ceramic, stainless steel or glass dishes. All lead free, of course!
- Use non-leaching plastic or glass storage containers for pumped breast milk and for home-made baby food (click here to find glass storage containers through green this life’s affiliate).
Apply a precautionary principle to life and take as many steps to avoid these chemicals as possible. Recognizing that the European Union and over a dozen countries are in the process of phasing out or banning phthalates from children’s products, should make us all take note as we protect our own. Many US manufacturers of toys and baby goods have restricted these products but it is still widely being used. Avoid buying these products and send out the message that you are serious about the safety of your little one.