Green Baby Blog

Phthalates? What is it?

2008-10-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Phthalates is a 'plasticizer' used in PVC plastics, solvents, and synthetic fragrances. They are an endocrine disruptor linked to genital abnormalities in baby boys and other reproductive issues in adult males. It's also been recently linked to asthma and allergies. Phthalates are known as "endocrine disruptors" because they mimic the body's hormones. Six types of phthalates are banned in Europe, and California is looking at a phthalate ban in baby toys and products by 2009.

Common things that contain Phthalates:

Plastic with the number 3 in the recycling triangle
Vinyl Toys (PVC), like rubber ducks and soft plastic toys
Shower curtains
Nail polish
Fragrance - Look for DEP (Diethyl phthalate)
Air Fresheners
Vinyl - rain jackets, lawn furniture

Read the label!
The label might not always be clear. According to Pollution in People you can identify the products by their chemical name:

DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEP (diethyl phthalate) are often found in personal care products, including nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes and cologne, aftershave lotions, shampoos, hair gels and hand lotions. (BzBP,)
DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is used in PVC plastics, including some medical devices.
BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) is used in some flooring, car products and personal care products.
DMP (dimethyl phthalate) is used in insect repellent and some plastics (as well as rocket propellant).

Why do my Born Free bottles look yellow?

2008-09-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

I just purchased a born free bottle and it looks kind of yellow? Is this normal? If so, why is it yellow?

It's perfectly normal. The amber color comes from PES (Polyamide), which is the plastic it's made from. This plastic is free of BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates, which are the nasty plastics.

Is SIGG a good brand to use for a sippy cup?

2007-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

The SIGG water bottles are a good alternative to plastic. The only concern with the product was that it is lined with Bisphenol A (a hormone disruptor.) When the manufacturer was contacted about the use of Bisphenol A, the response was as follows:

SIGG's liner protects from any migration or leaching of the liner and container into the liquid. All tests of the liquid reveal no trace (0%) of any of the following chemicals: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Bisphenol A (BPA), and Bisphenol B (BPB).
"While the polycarbonate bottles we tested leached a significant amount of BPA, the SIGG bottles - both new and used - showed no detectable BPA." - Jonathan Chun, PhD, Alliance Tech, USA

To date, there is no research that is contrary to their claim.

What Plastics Should I Avoid?

2007-10-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

When shopping, be sure to check the recycling sign on the plastic to determine what type of plastic it's made from.

Less Toxic Plastics - These plastics may leak chemicals, but no studies suggest they are a detriment to your health.

#1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate): most important raw material in synthetic fibers.
#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): opaque in color, Tupperware, milk jugs, laundry detergent.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): plastic bags, tubing, wash bottles, dispensing bottles.
#5 PP (polypropylene): food packaging, ropes, textiles, speakers, automotive parts, stationary.

Toxic Plastics - These plastics leach toxic chemicals and have been linked to cancer, disrupting hormones, and other health issues. The amount of leaking it takes to cause these health issues is controversial.

#3 PVC or V (polyvinyl chloride): The worst, most toxic; soft baby toys, teethers, bath toys, building material.
#6 PS (polystyrene): Solid foam, clear takeout containers.
#7 (polycarbonate): Most baby bottles, lining of metal cans, Nalgene bottles. Contains Bisphenol A which is a hormone disruptor.

To read more on plastics, check out our article on Plastic Toxicity.

Is Bamboo Eco-friendly?

2007-09-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is a hard question to answer. Yes, bamboo is definitely soft on a baby's skin. The verdict is still out, however, on how eco-friendly bamboo really is. In some respects, bamboo seems like a perfect replacement for cotton because it grows quickly and easily without the use of pesticides. However, in order to manufacture bamboo into soft fabric, numerous chemicals are used which makes its eco-friendly status questionable. We are still researching the use of bamboo for baby clothes and will update this information as it becomes available.