now I know my PVCs
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | September 21, 2009
Keeping our kids safe is what we’re hardwired to do. But how’s a mama (or dada) to keep up on mysterious sounding potential hazards like DEHP, BBP, DBP and PVC or find out where they lurk? The folks behind the popular sites www.healthytoys.org and www.healthycars.org have taken things one step farther and folded them into a new, more wide reaching site – www.healthystuff.org.
At HealthyStuff.org they test products for the presence of lead, cadmium, bromine, mercury and arsenic plus phthalates and PVCs. Then they give each product a high, medium or low rating depending on the results. With over 15,000 test results on more than 5,000 everyday products – everything from clothing and accessories, to toys to children’s products you’re bound to find out more than you possibly ever wanted to know. Like the fact that lead, arsenic, PVC and hazardous flame retardants have been found in pet products, school supplies, cars, children’s car seats and women’s handbags.
But before you trash all your tot’s school supplies, be sure to get a jargon-free reality check on the chemicals of concern section on their site. It also gives you a better understanding of how to interpret their results. And if you’re interested in a product they’ve yet to test, why not nominate it for testing?
The downsides? Over 5,000 products sounds like a lot, but when you start browsing through the categories you’ll see they’re not yet comprehensive. Which is why this Michigan-based nonprofit asks readers for donations to continue their work and grow their database. They’re also part of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, who are lobbying the US congress to update and strengthen the law that regulates toxic chemicals in products. So we’re sure you can see the next downside - this is an American site focusing on American products and laws. Which doesn’t mean it’s not a great resource, it just means we need someone to take up the mantle for something similar in Canada. Anyone, anyone?
HealthyStuff.org: www.healthystuff.org
Please note: Speaking of lurking chemicals we’ve updated our blog with the next step in our progress to return our SIGG bottles.
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