Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no surprise that it has made its way into children's toys and products. While plastic is useful and versatile, some plastics contain harmful chemicals that can pose a danger to children's health. A study found that out of 419 chemicals found in plastic materials used in children's toys, 126 substances could potentially harm children's health. This raises concerns about the impact of plastics on children's well-being and the need to identify the types of plastics that are worst for kids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastics to avoid | PVC (plastic #3), plastic #7, polypropylene-based baby bottles, vinyl products |
| Chemicals to avoid | Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, dioxins, DEHP |
| Chemicals with potential health effects | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), endocrine disruptors, estrogen, lead-based paint |
| Ways to reduce exposure | Use glass bottles instead of plastic, avoid microwaving bottles with formula or breastmilk, use stainless steel sippies and straw cups, use home filtration systems, avoid plastic toys, opt for wooden toys |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic toys with PVC, plastic #3, or plastic #7
Plastic is everywhere, and it can be challenging to avoid. It is important to be vigilant about the dangers of microplastics and the potential harm of different plastics to ensure children have a safe playing environment.
Plastic toys with PVC (plastic #3), or plastic #7, are considered some of the worst plastics for kids' toys. These plastics contain dangerous toxins and can cause health and environmental issues. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is created using softening chemicals, such as phthalates, which can cause hormonal problems. Other highly toxic chemicals, such as DEHA, can be produced during the lifecycle of plastic #3, and these have been linked to developmental, immune, and endocrine system issues, as well as cancer.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is another dangerous chemical found in plastic #7. It is used in the manufacturing of hard plastics and can be found in baby bottles, toys, and pacifiers. BPA has been linked to cell damage in breasts, uteruses, and prostates, as well as developmental disorders, nervous system problems, heart disease, and diabetes.
Phthalates are also used to make plastics like PVC more flexible, and they can be found in teethers, backpacks, perfumes, and medical devices. They are considered endocrine disruptors as they can interfere with hormones affecting male genital development, childhood obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
To avoid these harmful chemicals, it is recommended to choose toys made from natural fibres such as wood, bamboo, or silicone. Polypropylene or PP (plastic #5) is also considered a safer alternative for kids' toys as it does not leach and is heat-resistant.
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Bisphenols, including BPA
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1950s to create polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is frequently found in the hard, clear plastic of food containers and water bottles, as well as in the lining of some metal food and drink cans. It is also used in baby bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, and dental sealants.
BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with hormones and potentially alter the timing of puberty. A 2008 CDC study found that 92% of US adults had signs of BPA in their urine, sparking concerns about its effects on health. While the FDA has claimed that BPA is safe, a publication of the American Chemical Society found adverse effects in 153 out of 170 government-funded BPA experiments on lab animals and tissues. Additionally, a 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that adults with higher levels of BPA in their bodies were more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease.
To reduce exposure to BPA, it is recommended to avoid pre-packaged food and to prevent food from coming into contact with plastic containers, plastic utensils, and non-stick pans during preparation, eating, and storage. BPA is found in polycarbonate (PC) plastics, which are typically clear and hard, marked with the recycle symbol "7" or the letters "PC" near the recycle symbol. It is also important to avoid warming up food in plastic containers with these symbols and to use glass, porcelain, or stainless steel containers instead, especially for hot food or liquids.
While some manufacturers have replaced BPA in plastic bottles with other chemicals, experts believe these chemicals may have similar effects to BPA. Therefore, parents may want to consider safer alternatives such as glass baby bottles, particularly for use at home. It is also recommended to look for BPA-free infant formula, as liquid formula is more likely to absorb BPA from the lining.
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Phthalates
In children, exposure to phthalates has been linked to developmental deficits, attention problems, and motor coordination issues. A study found that children in intensive care units exposed to phthalate DEHP through plastic tubing and catheters had 18 times more DEHP in their blood than children who had not spent time in the ICU. Four years later, these children had more problems with attention and motor coordination.
Prenatal exposure to phthalates has also been associated with behaviour problems in children. Researchers in Taiwan found that higher levels of phthalate exposure during pregnancy were linked to aggressive and disobedient behaviours in eight-year-olds of both sexes. Similarly, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found an association between higher phthalate exposure during gestation and aggression, rule-breaking, and conduct problems in males.
Due to the potential health risks associated with phthalates, certain types of phthalates have been banned in childcare products and children's toys in the United States and other countries. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, passed in 2008, permanently banned the use of BBP, DBP, and DEHP in toys and childcare products. Other types of phthalates, such as DIDP, DINP, and DnOP, were temporarily banned until further scientific evaluation.
To reduce children's exposure to phthalates, parents can avoid purchasing plastic toys, especially those made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or with the resin #3 label. Toys made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or silicone are safer alternatives. It is also important to ventilate playrooms and avoid using products that contain phthalates, such as personal care items and fragrances.
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Microplastics in baby bottles
While the health effects of microplastics are still unknown, studies have shown that plastic baby bottles release microplastics when exposed to high-temperature water. The release of microplastics is highly temperature-sensitive, with hotter water exacerbating the release of microplastics. When researchers filled plastic baby bottles with room-temperature water and shook them for about 60 seconds, they found hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles in the water. When the water temperature was increased to 158° Fahrenheit, the bottles released anywhere from 1 million to 16 million particles per litre. The bottles also released trillions of nanoplastics, which are tiny bits of plastic ranging in size from 10 nanometres up to 1 micron.
Polypropylene-based baby bottles, known for their durability and affordability, are a common choice among parents. However, recent studies have revealed that these bottles can release a significant number of microplastics when used to prepare infant formula. In one study, researchers selected 10 types of plastic baby bottles, representative of nearly 70% of the global market, and found high levels of microplastics released when the bottles were used to prepare infant formula according to WHO guidelines. The study estimated that the average bottle-fed baby is exposed to more than 1.5 million microplastic particles per day, with some estimates as high as 2 million particles per day in higher-income regions.
To reduce infants' exposure to microplastics, parents can take some precautionary steps during bottle preparation. It is recommended to let plastic bottles cool completely after sterilisation in hot water and then rinse them out at least three times with room-temperature water. If using powdered formula, it is best to prepare it with water at 158° Fahrenheit in a glass container and then transfer it to a plastic baby bottle once it has cooled to room temperature.
As an alternative to plastic bottles, some parents choose to use glass bottles or silicone bottles, which are heat-resistant and more ocean-friendly than their plastic counterparts. Stainless steel bottles are also an option, as they reduce children's exposure to microplastics.
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Synthetic fabrics in clothing
Synthetic fabrics are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals, or fossil fuels, and are made entirely from plastic. They are popular because of their performance capabilities and low cost. Synthetic fabrics are commonly used in clothing, home textiles, and outdoor gear.
Some of the most common synthetic fabrics include:
- Polyester: Known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking properties. It is commonly used in clothing, blankets, home textiles, and outdoor gear.
- Nylon: Known for its strength and elasticity. It is often used in hosiery, activewear, swimwear, and outdoor gear.
- Acrylic: Known for being soft and warm. It is often used in knitwear, blankets, and faux fur fabrics.
- Spandex: Blended with other fibres to provide stretch and elasticity. It is commonly used in activewear, swimwear, and form-fitting clothing.
These synthetic fabrics have been found to shed microplastics when washed, contributing to plastic pollution and harming aquatic life. They also utilise toxic chemicals in their manufacturing, which can endanger workers and ecosystems.
When choosing clothing for children, it is important to consider the potential impact of synthetic fabrics on their health and the environment. Children's skin is more sensitive and permeable than adult skin, so it is crucial to minimise their exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic children's clothing, made from natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and silk, offers a gentler alternative that is soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. These natural fabrics are also more environmentally sustainable, as they are derived from renewable resources and are biodegradable.
While synthetic fabrics have their benefits, particularly in terms of performance and cost, it is important to be aware of their potential drawbacks when it comes to children's clothing. To reduce the impact of microplastics, consider using a microplastics filter when washing synthetic items or opting for natural fabrics from sustainable brands.
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Frequently asked questions
The worst plastics for kids are those that contain harmful chemicals, such as bisphenols and phthalates, which are already banned in some products due to their health risks. Bisphenol A (BPA), for example, can interfere with the human endocrine system, acting like estrogen in the body and potentially altering the timing of puberty. Phthalates are also endocrine disruptors, which can affect male genital development, childhood obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
To identify plastics that may contain harmful substances, look for labels that guarantee the product is free of toxic substances. You can also look for the RIC symbol, which identifies the type of plastic resin used. For example, the numbers 2 and 4 on plastic toys indicate they are made from high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), which are BPA-, styrene- and phthalate-free. Avoid toys made from PVC (plastic #3) or plastic #7, as these often contain harmful chemicals.
Harmful plastics are found in a variety of everyday items, including children's toys, baby bottles, food packaging, clothing, and cosmetics. Baby bottles made from polypropylene-based plastic, for example, release microplastics into liquids when heated. Similarly, a study found that water from plastic bottles contained about double the amount of microplastics than tap water. Clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic can shed microfibers in the wash, which then make their way into our water systems.
