Can Kids Play with PVC?

What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?

PVC plastic, commonly known as "vinyl" (although not all vinyl is PVC), is an odorless and versatile plastic. It is found in many consumer products, including raincoats and boots, shoe soles, sunshades and blinds, upholstery and seat covers, shower curtains, furniture, carpet backings, plastic bags, inflatable swimming pools and rafts, beach balls, dolls, bath books , toys (rubber ducks!) and baby chew toys (teething rings).

Why should I worry?

During the manufacturing, use and disposal of PVC, humans are exposed to toxic chemicals such as mercury, dioxins and phthalates. Lead and other heavy metals are added to PVC during the molding process to help stabilize the plastic. Lead is known to be a neurotoxicant that can damage cognitive abilities, particularly in young children (see the EHCC's lead fact sheet for more information). Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, cannot be eliminated through incineration; therefore, during PVC processing, these harmful heavy metals are released into the environment.

Health issues related to PVC are of particular concern for children, as they are increasingly exposed to PVC in toys and clothing. Vinyl chloride, the main component of PVC, is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Other PVC health problems include birth defects, liver dysfunction, developmental disorders, and endocrine disruption, which can lead to low sperm counts, undescended testicles, and early puberty.

PVC also often contains phthalates, a class of chemicals used to soften plastic products to make them more pliable. Adverse health effects associated with phthalate exposure include: hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive problems, asthma, premature birth, and the development of certain cancers.

How are children exposed to PVC in dolls?

Young children have a natural tendency to eat soft plastics, which may lead to exposure to PVC through ingestion. Chewing on plastic toys creates small openings in the plastic (often microscopic), providing a pathway for chemicals from the toy to seep into a child's mouth. Normal wear and tear can also release PVC. Small cracks in a new or old doll can allow toxic chemicals in the PVC to escape. When trying to understand "exhaust" it helps to think about the unique smell of a new car. This smell is also present in new plastic dolls and is the smell from the off-gassing process, the process in which gases and chemicals used to make the doll or car are released into the environment.

The best way to protect children from the harmful effects of vinyl dolls is to eliminate them completely. If you can't get rid of all your vinyl dolls, your next best option is to remove them from baby and toddler rooms, as this age group is most susceptible to mouth toys.

safer doll

Plastic "dolls" have been a staple toy for many years. These plastic dolls can be found in most nurseries, and there are usually several in every classroom. They're developmentally appropriate - fostering creativity and encouraging natural pretend play. Children often imitate the behaviors of their caregivers while imagining that they are "Mom" or "Dad." Unfortunately, many plastic dolls are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can be a health concern for children who play with them every day.

What should I pay attention to?

To differentiate between the different types of plastic on the market, products sometimes have a small symbol - usually located on their bottom. The numbers inside the three triangles determine the type of plastic used to make the item.

One way to proactively look to avoid products made with PVC is to look for recycling code #3. If you see a "3" inside a triangle, beware! This product is made of PVC, which may cause harmful health effects through contact.

How often should you wash your cloth doll?

The National Child Care and Early Education Health and Safety Resource Center recommends that any toys used by children should be set aside after play and then disinfected at the end of the day. Cloth toys should be washed once a week. However, cloth toys should be removed from the room if mouthed or soiled and returned to the toy rotation after cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting all toys and the standards set forth in your state's child care and/or health department regulations.