Poisonous Diaper Bags

I’ve become more committed to buying environmentally friendly or green products over the last few years. I have long believed in living in balance with nature, but my Green inclination if-you-will has been heightening since becoming a parent. Blame it on my desire to leave my children a healthy planet on which to live. However, it is a logical choice. After all making the decision to purchase non-toxic/harmful products helps preserves the earth, but it also aids in the health and safety of my family because the truth is that a toxin is a toxin – it is just that simple!

In an age, where formaldehyde is used your deodorant, hydrochloric acid in your toilet bowl cleaner, and kerosene in your furniture polish, it can feel overwhelming to try to live in a world free from toxins. But take heart!  While it is true that it will take a herculean effort to rid the world of toxins, it is relatively easy to start with your own home and especially with your own baby. 

So what’s the worry with diaper bags? A recent study in California by the Center for Environmental Health found disturbingly high levels of lead in diaper bags and diaper bag changing pads.  Lead got into these bags through polyvinyl chloride (“PVC” or vinyl) plastic.  Vinyl or PVC plastic has to be stabilized to retain its strength, and the toxic metal lead is the most common product used to stabilize this plastic.  The lead isn’t bound up in the plastic polymer, so it will migrate to the surface, especially with exposure to heat and friction.  The end result is a bag that has lead on its surface; lead that can be picked up by mommy or baby when they touch the bag.

So what harm can a little lead do?  Plenty.  Lead is toxic. Multiple studies have shown that lead lowers a person’s IQ, even at low levels.  Lead exposure is also cumulative so even low levels of exposure can add up over time.  What’s more, children who are developing are at even higher risk from lead poisoning.

What can you do about it?  Don’t use any products with your baby that have or use Vinyl or PVC.  Vinyl/PVC is commonly used in cooler sections within diaper bags because it is cheap and there is a lack of education on the harmful effects of these pollutants. The good news is that there are alternatives to using Vinyl in diaper bags, and in fact, some manufacturers are at the forefront in this regard www.devynbag.com. The truth is that consumers don’t have to buy toxic diaper bags, but they do have to read the label or merchandise tags. As companies that have allocated the funds for sourcing and utilizing toxic free products are generally quite eager to tell you about it!

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