Chemicals in Vermont
August 1, 2009
Even in a beautiful and seemingly pristine place like Vermont, toxic chemicals are building up in our bodies and in our environment. Of the more than 80,000 chemicals used in commerce in the U.S., few have ever been adequately tested for their potential impact on our health. Many of these chemicals are commonly found in our air, water, soil - even in the products we buy and use every day. Some have been linked to significant health effects including cancer, neurological damage and developmental disabilities, and children are generally at greatest risk of harm.
Why Shop for PVC-Free School Supplies?
July 30, 2009
Many children’s school supplies, such as lunchboxes, backpacks and binders, are often made out of PVC—a toxic plastic that is dangerous to our health and the environment. PVC is unique among plastics because it contains dangerous chemical additives – such as phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins - which can be toxic to your child’s health.
Phthalates and other toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time posing unnecessary dangers to children. Over 90% of all phthalates are used to soften or plasticize PVC products – that’s over 5 million tons a year! Children are at risk from even small exposures to these toxic chemicals. That’s why it’s important to purchase PVC-free school supplies.
