Is Your Child's Raincoat Toxic?
Even past toddlerhood, many children chew or suck on their clothing - and rainwear, with its rubbery texture, can be irresistible. But is it safe for kids to put in their mouths?
We Tested:
13 boys' and girls' slickers in sizes for school-age children at an independent lab to find out if cuffs, collars, and other parts of the garment that could be chewed met the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's (CPSIA) limits for lead and phthalates. Although CPSIA's phthalates rule doesn't cover clothing for kids over age 3, because the chemicals are considered potential developmental toxins if ingested, GHRI believes they shouldn't be present in any product designed for children.
Related: Are Fast Food Toys Safe for Kids?
We Found:
Three rain jackets exceeded a CPSIA limit. More than 15.5 percent of the vinyl we tested in the Wippette Kids jacket style 33-YEL (top left) is made of one type of phthalate - over 155 times the level listed in the CPSIA. The cuffs and neckline of Kidorable's Fireman Rain Coat style 33406 (left), made of PVC, contained another phthalate at more than 18 times the CPSIA level. The metal zipper pull of the Stephen Joseph jacket style 1607 (below left) had 13 times the CPSIA's lead limit.
Related: How Safe is Your Baby Stroller?
Our Recommendation:
We urge the CPSC to apply the phthalates criteria to all products for children ages 12 and under. Until the law is amended, avoid slickers made of PVC and vinyl, which can have elevated levels of phthalates. A better fabric pick: polyurethane, or polyester coated with polyurethane, which will protect kids from rain and minimize possible phthalate ingestion.
- By TheGood Housekeeping Research Institute
More from Good Housekeeping:
