Ask TSL: Can You Recommend a Safe Humidifier for My Children?
December 26, 2009 by Alicia
Filed under Ask TSL, Buzz, Personal Care Products, Shopping Guides, Toys & Misc
We’ve been keeping our eyes open for a warm mist humidifier made without polycarbonate plastic for quite a while and we kept coming back empty-handed. Safe Mama reported in early 2009 that her search had been unsuccessful too.
Last week our kids passed around a heavy duty cold, so I dug out our old standby Vicks humidifier. I decided to check out the type of plastic used just in case it was made with safer plastic by some off chance. I was surprised to find the recycling code #2 (HDPE) on the white base and #5 (polypropylene) on the blue outer and black inner pieces. All this time I had a great option sitting in my linen closet and didn’t even know it!
You can find the Vicks Warm Steam Humidifier at Drugstore.com for about $16.00. There appears to be several other brands with options like Vicks, so we’ll be checking into them and publishing a full list of BPA-free humidifiers soon.
UPDATE 1/20/10: If you’re looking for a cool mist humidifier, we just confirmed that all Crane humidifiers are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free.
The GermGuardian H3010 Digital Ultrasonic Humidifier is BPA, PVC and phthalate-free (all humidifiers have a PVC wrapped cord).
When both of my kids had the H1N1 (or so they say) and myself and daughter ended up with upper resp. infections the doc. suggested using a cool mist. I like the cute froggy one and might have to give it a whirl. Who would have known you had a safe solution in your closet! Good to know! Hope everyone is feeling better.
I have the green frog for my daughter and it is great. Quieter than the one in my bedroom and you can adjust the level of mist greatly. Glad to know it is BPA free!
I'd be interested in what you find out about the AIR-O-SWISS Ultrasonic Humidifier (Model 7135).
Thanks for this post! I've been wondering about this myself as we keep trading colds around our family this past month. Just purchased the cute elephant humidifier you mentioned.
Isn't it great to find out that something you already own is safe?! It sure was nice for me
Thanks for the quick review of the Crane humidifier, macten! I've had quite a few questions about that since writing this article and didn't have an answer for them (I don't own one myself).
I added it to our list to investigate. Thanks for the suggestion, Christine!
I have to admit that finding a BPA/PVC-free humidifier wasn't the highest priority on my list of toxic plastics to avoid. But it sure is nice to know there are safe options out there!
I am also interested because I just purchased the Air-O-Swiss but have not yet set it up.
I'll wait until I find out more information before I use it. Thanks, Teresa
Awesome blog. It's fantastic to see that people are being educated about BPA's and PVC in products that are being retailed to our children. We have been very careful avoiding these products. Having a scientific background it's second nature for me to check out things thoroughly, as do you do here. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, Lisa! It's really great to meet you and I'll look forward to connecting with you again.
BTW, love your website – my nephews have learned how to sign, and it's just amazing to see them communicate without even being able to speak!
I contacted Air-O-Swiss and they told me that all of their humidifers have always been bpa and pvc free!! They make a great product with warm air option, filter and ionic stick to keep the water clean
I just bought an Idylis BPA free humidifier. It doesn't say if it's PVC free though. I knew to look for a BPA free model because of this post. Thanks Alicia!
My son loke a green frog. Thanks for recommend.