Avoiding plastic has an obvious environmental benefit. A material that takes hundreds or even a thousand years to decompose. However, we are often not aware of the problem that many plastics generate for us here and now. The so-called Chemical smog or the penetration of substances from plastics into our bodies is the cause of many serious diseases, from allergies, asthma, through lung diseases to cancer.

 

Children are more susceptible to poisonous substances than adults: their immune and nervous systems are not fully formed yet, and the epidermis and lungs are more sensitive.

 So how do you identify the most dangerous products and avoid the most harmful substances? Which chemicals are the most dangerous for our little ones?

 We present those relationships that our little ones should absolutely avoid.

 Phthalates - esters of phthalic acid, are used in the production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other plastics. Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used as plasticizers, or softeners, for plastic materials. They can be found in countless everyday products: PVC floor coverings, flexible toys such as jump ropes, plastic dishes, shower curtains, etc. Phthalates also last longer the fragrance, so they are used in highly flavored cosmetics.

 

Excessive exposure to phthalates can cause hormonal problems (up to infertility), asthma, and problems with concentration.

 

BPA (Bisphenol A) - is a substance used in industrial production to stabilize and harden 

consumer products such as reusable plastic tableware, beverage bottles, sports equipment, epoxy resins, the insides of food and drink cans to avoid metallic aftertaste.

 

As scientific research has shown - when larger amounts of this substance enter our body, they can destroy the endocrine system, causing hormone-dependent diseases, such as obesity, infertility, and even breast and prostate cancer.

 

Chemical volatile substances - a number of harmful substances in artificial materials, the penetration of which from the product into the air, and thus into the skin or body, is checked by testing the product in accordance with the EN-71 standard. All toys and play accessories that are allowed to come into contact with a child should pass this test before they are released for sale. Its positive result is marked on the packaging by compliance with the EN-71 standard or the CE marking, which includes a positive result of the test of compliance with the above standard.

 

How to recognize a good plastic product?

 

Before buying - let's check what markings are on the packaging / product description in the online store. It is the responsibility of each manufacturer to provide the appropriate information.

 Let's look for the markings:

 Phtalates free (no phthalates)

 BPA free (without Bisphenol A)

 CE - for Toys and play accessories

 Indications of the type of plastic (numbers 1-9 on the recycling stamp (3 arrows in a triangle and a number in the middle - as below). Good quality plastics that do not penetrate (or to a small extent) have the following markings: 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP- polypropylene) We absolutely avoid materials marked with numbers: 3 (V / PVC) and 7 (other).

 

Sources:

 www.ekokonsument.pl

 www.opakowania.com.pl

 Teraz-srodowisko.pl

 #chemical substances

 #plastic

 #BPA

 #phthalates

 #PCV