Dear Mom:

I believe you're asking about concerns with the plastic PVC and a report recently released by the non-profit Center for Health, Environment and Justice, along with a 2nd annual edition of their Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies.

The plastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl for short) contains dangerous chemical additives used to soften or stabilize it. These chemicals include phthalates, lead, cadmium and / or organotins. Federal law has banned the use of phthalates in children's toys - but not in children's school supplies.

This toxic plastic is found in both name brand and generic products. Lunch boxes, binders, vinyl backpacks and even art supplies are frequently made out of PVC. Some PVC products are marked with the number 3 inside the triangular recycling symbol. If there's no recycling-number code, but an item smells like a beach ball or a new plastic shower curtain, it's probably PVC.

Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful health effects of the toxic chemicals used in PVC. Substances that evaporate or leech out of PVC products may contribute to developmental disorders and damage to the liver, central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems. Recent studies have linked PVC flooring in the home to increased rates of autism and asthma in children.

To safeguard your child's health:

• Avoid backpacks with shiny plastic designs - they often contain PVC and may contain lead
• Use lunchboxes made of cloth or metal instead of plastic; many lunchboxes are made of PVC or are coated with PVC on the inside
• Choose binders made of plain cardboard, or covered with fabric or polypropylene plastic (#5 in the recycling symbol); most 3-ring binders are made of PVC

The Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies lists the most common school supplies made out of toxic PVC and suggests safer PVC-free products in over 20 product categories, to help parents made informed shopping choices. As a companion to the full guide, a pocket guide with top tips and at-a-glance advice is also available.

Download these free resources from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice at CHEJ.org, to help you make safe and healthy purchases for your kids' school year!