Chemicals in Children's Products
Good or Bad?

Does the use of a man-made chemical do more good than bad? Many chemicals have made our children's lives safer and more convenient. However, are they really safe?

Flame Retardants

A recent example is flame-retardants. Flame retardants are materials that slow down (or even stop) the spread of fire. They have no doubt saved many lives. What is used to give a material this ability?

• traditionally we used asbestos, which is a naturally occuring substance, and which we now know causes cancer and other diseases, especially in the lungs
• man-made halocarbons such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs) are now common, especially in fabrics, furniture, and electronics

Studies have found that the levels of PBDEs found in the breast milk of American women and some fetuses are approaching levels that have been shown to impair learning in lab mice. The increasing levels are due to the increased use in manufacturing and the fact that these substances tend to accumulate in our bodies.

(UPDATE: a February 17, 2007 article in the Toronto Globe and Mail reported that, "A group of chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers that are widely used as flame retardants are so harmful Environment Canada has added them to the country's list of toxic chemicals and wants manufacturers banned from making them." Further commentary on this, and other banned substances, is available at the Environment Canada website. PBDEs are specifically mentioned on this page.

Phthalates

Another commonly used group of substances thought to present health risks are phthalates, or phthalate esters. These chemical compounds are mainly used to increase the flexibility of plastic. They are chiefly used to turn polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from a hard plastic into a flexible plastic. As you can imagine, many baby products include phthalates, as a soft plastic causes less injuries than a hard one. It is estimated that 5.5 million tons of phthalates are manufactured each year.

Studies into the safety of phthalates have shown mixed results. Some jurisdictions have moved to ban some of these substances. The European Union did ban some PBDEs, but allowed one to remain, ostensibly because there was no safe replacement available.

What can a Parent Do?

• Avoid PVC in food containers. Look at the recycling triangle on the bottom of the container. If it is "3", then it has PVC in it.
• Do not heat food or beverages in or on any plastic containers. Do not put them in the microwave.
• Avoid plastic cling wrap products. Most have phthalates in them.
• Use glass or stainless steel drinking containers.
• Use enamel or ceramic plates. Use metal feeding utensils. (here is an obvious use of soft plastics; for our young child's spoons and forks)
• Choose natural materials for bedding. Natural fibers such as cotton or wool are best.
• Purchase furniture without PBDEs. Some retailers advertise this fact. In other cases, ask.
• If you must use plastic, do not wash in a dishwasher, or use harsh detergents. Throw away hazy looking items.
• Do not store food or beverages in plastic.
• consider toys made with more natural products, like wood or cotton/wool
• avoid polyester clothing, opting for cottons and other natural fibres

Yours in parenthood, for the sake of baby safety, Grandpa Richard.