CHEJ’s New Guide Makes it Easy to Avoid the Dangers of PVC

I called about One Step Ahead's plastic balls and was told they were made of 100% polyethelene... too bad that their inflatable ball pit is made with pvc...

That's great news, Stefanie! Thanks for sharing it with us! We just came across another company who makes their balls from polyethelene, and we're just trying to confirm that they're also BPA-free.

Any updates on the ball pit balls?

IAlicia,
I'm also trying to find PVC-free balls and just wanted to thank you for your work on this! It feels so confusing trying to navigate all of this on my own and am so grateful to have found your site! I will definitely be checking in regularly.
Thanks,
Angela

Hello there,

I am also looking for PVC free ball pit balls. Do they exist anywhere? Help! We want to make a ball pit at home to help my son with his sensory integration problems. They're great tactile stimulation.

Amy

Hi Amy,

We're in the midst of tackling the whole PVC-free ball issue with manufacturers, so we should have some pointers for you very soon! I think we *may* have found some PVC-free balls used for a noteable brand name ball pit :)

Stay tuned!

Alicia

Hi Peter,



That's a fantastic question!



I have to be honest in telling you that I haven't been able to find evidence of ABS leaching any of the chemicals used in its production as of yet. It's something I've been focusing on for over two years now, and in my personal experience, I've only uncovered articles and studies pointing to the stability of the resin.



I think CHEJ's main concern is with the hazardous manufacturing process (as with PVC), which causing health concerns for the employees working in the factory during production - as well as the overall life cycle (ending up in the landfills).



I'm committed to staying on top of any issues that develop around ABS, and will keep everyone updated with my findings.



Alicia

Hello Soft Landing,



We have a 1 1/2 year old boy and we appreciate your work.



"CHEJ's New Guide" mentions that we should avoid ABS because styrene and possibly hazardous chemicals are used in its manufacturing.



We have purchased some Duplo (Legos) and some trucks made of ABS for our boy. In the research we've done we've not found anything suggesting that ABS is dangerous for our son.



So is your understanding that the danger with ABS is because of the chemicals used in its manufacturing and not with the finished product itself? What is your take on ABS? It it safe for our son to play with toys made with ABS?



Thanks Much!



Peter

Wanted to buy child balls to make a ball pit. Called Moose Mountain & they said that the balls were phthalate free but had PVC. Is the harm from PVC when the child touches it or if they put the item in their mouth? Or is PVC unsafe only for the people who are involved in the manufactue of it? Does anyone let their children play in ball pits anymore? If it is only once in a while, will that harm them?