Inside Plastic Toys: A Report on PVC
What are we giving our children?
Store shelves are flooded with plastic toys that are brightly colored, light up and make sounds when buttons are pushed. When we give these to our children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, we believe we are giving them a fun time and a gift filled with love. Indeed children do love to play with toys but there is an opposing opinion to toys made with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride.)
Effects of PVC
PVC contains phthalates, which accumulate in the body and can cause damage to the liver and lungs. Studies occurring with animals have shown PVC to also cause damage to the reproductive organs. Currently there are no studies that suggest phthalates cause short-term toxicity in humans. Though infants and children are at a much greater risk of being exposed to long-term, low dosages of phthalates since they play with toys and put them in their mouths over a period of several years.
Three More Reasons to Avoid Plastic Toys
Metal stabilizers are chain-like molecules. Because plastics break down from light and heat, stabilizers are necessary for the life of a plastic product. These metal stabilizers release lead, which has a known toxic value.
Plasticizers, or phthalates, are required additives for the flexibility of plastics. It is generally agreed by all researchers that phthalates are given off freely by PVC. This is caused by mechanical stress (bending, pressure, chewing), oils and saliva and temperatures over 85° F, cause phthalates to migrate in gas form.
According to the EPA, Dioxin, which is produced during the manufacturing of plastics, causes cellular changes in mammals even when exposed to small amounts. The production of PVC material is damaging to the earth for this reason and because many cases of backyard burning of PVC occur throughout the United States. Both the EPA and Green Peace have conducted studies on the release of Dioxins during the manufacturing of PVC. Both reports had such a significant difference in final numbers that neither report can be used. The fact that there is little research on the manufacturing of PVC and its relation to the amount of Dioxins present in the earths atmosphere is disturbing.
Alternative are Available
Many toy companies produce non-toxic wooden and cloth toys. With the major toy companies unwillingness to give the facts about their products, it is better to give our children toys we know are made without dangerous materials and additives. Wooden toys still give children fun times and can even increase their creative ability by developing the imagination. You can find wooden toys at these shops:
Magic Cabin: Clearance Sale – Save up to 80%
Mothering Magazine: Natural Family Living
The Marketplace section of this magazine is also filled with great places to get natural and wooden toys. Mothering Magazine can be found on newsstands at health food stores, your local library or get a subscription here.
