Why Non-Poisonous & Natural Play Mats?
Acquired just a little one who’s scooting round or a babe in want of a mushy touchdown for tummy time?
Searching for the most effective eco-friendly play mat is time effectively spent.
Infants spend lots of their very own time on the bottom, in fact. As curious tiny people, in addition they like to lick, suck, and chew almost any—and each—factor in attain.
With an immature physique and a still-developing system that will wrestle to course of and metabolize chemical compounds, many merchandise—even these designed for infants—can grow to be poisonous because the child breathes or ingests it.
So, are play mats poisonous and why?
EVA Foam & Formamide
Are foam mats secure for infants? Are EVA foam mats poisonous?
EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, is often present in foam-based merchandise. Suppose: sporting tools, costumes, craft supplies, and, sure, play mats.
Nevertheless it’s related to poisonous off-gassing of a chemical referred to as formamide, which has been linked to reproductive points and most cancers. This has resulted in play mat-related formamide bans in some European international locations.
Whereas current conflicting research generally suggests the security of EVA, it’s additionally not recyclable or biodegradable—giving it a thumbs-down from us.
PVC & Phthalates
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is present in play mats, balls, dolls, inflatable swimming swimming pools, and extra.
Sadly, as versatile and helpful as this type of plastic is, it’s the worst variety.
Releasing lead and phthalates, PVC has been linked to most cancers, untimely puberty, reproductive and developmental issues, and extra.
It’s additionally accountable for releasing cancer-causing dioxins and emits 160 toxic gasses when disposed of.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are sometimes from a category referred to as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which have been linked to negative health effects for youngsters, together with early puberty and delayed improvement.
Polyurethane and potential VOCs
The jury’s nonetheless out about polyurethane (PU) play mats. Though thought-about to be non-toxic, the fabric is flammable, that means it could be handled with these pesky flame retardants.
In a study PU foam mattresses, a big launch of unstable natural compounds (VOCs) was reported.
Nonetheless, polyurethane is totally recyclable and thought of to be one of many least dangerous materials in child merchandise. Simply keep away from these handled with flame retardants.
XPE Foam
XPE foam is usually marketed as “non-toxic” materials, however it’s skinny and lacks the softness present in TPU.
It’s additionally manufactured from cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam, which presents an identical threat as PE itself (i.e. offgassing, leaching plastic additives).
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