I can’t believe we are already thinking about getting ready for school! My oldest is entering Pre-K next year and when looking for the supplies she needs, I came across this back to school guide to safer school supplies. It features the best tips to avoid phthalate-laden vinyl plastic (PVC) in popular children’s school supplies in over 40 product categories.
According to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Vinyl (or PVC) is the most toxic chemical to children’s health. They report: From production to use and disposal, vinyl releases a toxic cocktail of chemicals including dioxins, phthalates, mercury, PCBs, vinyl chloride, chlorine gas and numerous other substances harmful to our health, some of which are building up in our children’s bodies and food supply. Scientists have found find certain vinyl chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, birth defects, learning and developmental disabilities, obesity, diabetes and other preventable chronic diseases on the rise.
I’m not going to make myself crazy evaluating every single product in our house to make sure it is PVC-free, but I’ll use this guide to help me buy better for this school year.