#okotex

It was a dreary, rainy day here today, so while the kids were sloshing in and out of the house with boots too small and rain jackets inching up their arms, I was reminded of their recent growth spurts and the need for some new gear! However, I’ve found myself a little more particular about what types of clothing I’ll spend my money on these days. 

Did you know that even your clothing can off-gas harmful chemicals as you (or your kids) wear them? Formaldehyde is often used to prevent wrinkles and mildew during shipping. Yes, the very same ingredient used to preserve dead bodies is used on the clothing we wear every day.

In recent years I’ve noticed a direct connection to my eyes burning and throat feeling raw and dry every time I shop in my local department (clothing) store. So, I did a little digging...

The National Cancer Institute reports:

When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, whereas others have no reaction to the same level of exposure.

If those are the effects I’m feeling in under an hour of browsing, what are the long term effects of formaldehyde?

_ In 2011, the National Toxicology Program, an interagency program of the Department of Health and Human Services, named formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen in its 12th Report on Carcinogens_

This is the world we live in, and there is only so much we can do about it. We have slowly been replacing things as they wear out, or we outgrow them with safer options as our budget allows. The rest, we leave in God’s hands.

A FEW TIPS:

Wash your clothing before wearing! 

Avoid pajamas with flame retardants - instead of pajamas labeled "flame resistant", go for tight fitting cotton. 

While, we love our Hanna’s when we can get them on sale, I was recently pleasantly surprised to see more options for plain old cotton pajamas at stores like Target, Crazy 8 and Costco!

RAIN GEAR:

A lot of rain gear is made with PVC plastic and then pthalates are added to make it pliable. What’s so bad about PVC?

Look for Oko-Tex certified or PVC free rain gear. (Oko-Tex is an organization that tests materials for over 100 harmful chemicals).

Polyurethane doesn't always mean it's bad! I recently learned this from Puddlegear:> …when this particular Polyurethane is in its fully expanded state it is an “inert chemical”  meaning that it has no off gassing left to do.  Atek is fully expanded- and tested to be free of over 100 harmful chemicals.Not all Polyurethane is PVC or Phthalate free– some who don’t heat seal their seams use PVC to make them waterproof…and Phthalates make the PVC soft.  Polyurethane is also a controlled application  when you make it so its not leached into the ground water like PVC plastics.

Hatley is an adorable kids brand that sells PVC free rain coats! We have enjoyed them for many years! They can sometimes be found on amazon for cheaper!

My oldest just outgrew their largest kids size, so I had to look for a larger size this year.  I stumbled on Puddlegear today, and was able to order their largest size for her. They look like a great, safe option, albeit in the higher price range. I’m trying to justify the purchase with the fact that it will hopefully get use by all three kids. I will let you know how we like the raincoat!

RAIN BOOTS:

Look for rain boots made from natural rubber! I found a brand called STONZ WEAR on Amazon last year for my oldest and I am in LOVE with them! They're quality and made from natural Rubber! Free of lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, and PVC.