Thursday, October 2, 2008

EcoMOMs: October 2008




Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

Many products in our homes, from rubber duckies to shower curtains, are made of what has been dubbed the “poison plastic”: PVC. Polyvinyl chloride releases chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. Phthalates and other toxic additives are used as a softening agent in many PVC products, adding to the health risks of this plastic. It is widely considered the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Avoid the Poison Plastic for kids! As with all environmental contaminants, our babies and children are at highest risk for long-term effects. Since many children’s toys, even toys meant to go in baby’s mouth, such as teethers, are still legally able to be made of PVC, contact the company that makes the item of concern to determine what it is made of. A good way to get an idea of whether a toy is PVC is by doing a “sniff test.” If it is new and gives off a strong smell, similar to the “new car smell” or “new shower curtain smell” it is most likely PVC and should be avoided. PVC-free bath toys and other items are for sale online at www.thesoftlanding.com. To search a specific toy or product for toxic chemicals, visit www.healthytoys.org. You can view items by brand, by type, or by name.
Many school supplies, including lunchboxes, backpacks, and binders, are also made of PVC. For a great guide to PVC-free school supplies, take a look here: http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/Back%20to%20School%20Guide%20to%20PVC%20Free%20School%20Supplies.pdf.

IDEA #2: Seek a safer shower. In a report by the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, PVC shower curtains were tested and found to release over 100 chemicals into the air. Seven of the found chemicals are classified as hazardous air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). High levels of phthalates and VOCs are also given off, as well as heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium. Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, and Macy’s are a few of the large retailers that have committed to offering PVC-free shower curtain alternatives. When looking to replace your vinyl shower curtain, look for one made of safer EVA plastic instead, or stick to fabric liners.

IDEA #3: Avoid vinyl in and around your home. When alternatives exist for products to be used in and around the home, choose them. Buy a rubber garden hose instead of one made of PVC. If you do have a regular PVC garden hose, never let children drink from it. When installing new flooring, use wood, cork, linoleum, or ceramic instead of vinyl. Avoid plastic packaging with the #3 symbol. When purchasing cling wrap, some of which is made of PVC, look for brands made of polyethylene, such as GLAD brand or Saran wrap. Most commercial cling wrap is PVC, so if you buy items from a deli that come wrapped in plastic, be sure to remove it when you get home and store it in a safer plastic or glass container.

Why it’s important:

• Not only is PVC harmful to consumers, but it has environmental impacts at every stage of its life cycle, from the factory to the landfill. When produced, PVC releases dioxins, known to result in immune and reproductive system harm. PVC is also used in building materials, and when heated in a building fire, releases toxic hydrogen chloride gas, which can be deadly to firefighters battling the blaze and building occupants who have not yet escaped.

• As a result of the variety of toxic additives used in PVC, this plastic cannot be recycled. When PVC is inadvertently sent to the recycling center, it can contaminate an entire batch of other plastics. It takes just one PVC bottle to result in a load of 100,000 recyclable bottles being made useless for recycling.

• Workers in factories that make PVC face health risks that include angiosarcoma of the liver, lung cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and liver cirrhosis. Some workers have been tested by the US government and have shown triple the dioxin levels in their blood when compared to the average citizen. Communities located nearby such factories experience groundwater and air pollution.

This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.