CHEJ Newsletter: Is vinyl flooring toxic to children's health?

Hi Reader,

Today CHEJ's friends at HealthyStuff.org have released the largest-ever study of harmful chemicals in flooring materials.  

Shockingly, they found vinyl building materials like flooring and wallpaper are often loaded with a toxic stew of chemicals including phthalates, organotins, and sometimes even lead or cadmium.  Check out the new study today at HealthySTuff.org  

Phthalates -- chemical additives used to soften PVC products -- wereparticularly prominent in flooring and wallpaper, raising a number of health concerns. For example, a 2008 European study found an association between concentrations of phthalates in indoor dust and wheezing among preschool children, especially when PVC flooring was in the child's bedroom.  

What's even more shocking is that these vinyl building materials aren't just in our homes, but they're widespread in our nation's schools, from the flooring and carpeting to playground equipment.  

You can learn all about where this poison plastic is hiding in CHEJ's new resource - This Vinyl School.

The good news is there are plenty of safer cost competitive alternatives.  The researchers found that linoleum, cork, bamboo and hardwood flooring all tested free of lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous metals.  

Check out the new study over at HealthyStuff.org today and also be sure tovisit This Vinyl School to learn more about PVC in our nation's schools.

Sincerely,

Mike Schade, PVC Campaign Coordinator
Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ)