Inflatable Pool Toy and Health Risks
Introduction
What you will learn:
- Why inflatable pool toys could be harmful
- What exactly is PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- How to dispose of PVC properly
- Introducing POLYS
Inflatable pool toys are a lot of fun for people of all ages. However the biggest problem with these fun toys is that they are made of a type of plastic, PVC which is the most toxic of all. Most PVC products contain dangerous chemical additives such as phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotin. If inflatable pool toys end in landfills and the chemical leaks into air, soil and water sources, it affects our health.
Many other products such as camping beds, vinyl floor, and medical equipment are made of PVC. We need to be mindful about how we use and dispose of them.
The problem with inflatable pool toys
The main problem with inflatable pool toys is the material. PVC (or known as Vinyl) is a petroleum-based product that contains many different chemicals, including phthalates, which can be harmful to humans and animals.
The most common health problem associated with phthalates is liver damage. Phthalates also cause birth defects in humans and animals.
What is PVC ?
PVC is the most convenient, cheap and versatile plastic. It can make rigid products like water pipes or very durable flexible products like camping beds. Items made from 100% PVC is not inherently harmful and is 100% recyclable. But chemical additives to make the material flexible such as BPA (bisphenol-A) and Phthalates are harmful. Also, the mixed materials make it very hard to recycle items.
Toxic waste comes out from production, dust of PVC with the additives, chemical released from landfills are a health risk.
Why is PVC harmful to our environment
PVC is the least environmentally friendly among all types of plastic. PVC production releases toxic chemicals into the air and water, while its disposal can cause environmental pollution as well.
- This common plastic is one of the biggest contributors to the toxic substances saturating our planet and its inhabitants. PVC contaminates humans and ecosystems at every stage in its lifecycle—from manufacture, use, and disposal.
- The systems to manage PVC waste is still in a development stage. Producers haven’t implemented recycling because it is not profitable.
- Safer alternatives are available for virtually all uses of PVC, it is possible to protect human health and the environment by replacing and eventually phasing out this toxic plastic. Many courtiers have made PVC avoidance policies and there is a movement to phase out.
So, before buying PCV products, we suggest you think about how they are made and how they can be disposed of.
How to properly dispose of PVC?
It can take more than 450 years to break down in the environment. Especially flexible PVC materials can release chemicals when it is heated.
If you cannot recycle, you can dispose of PVC safely by following these steps:
- Cut the PVC into pieces that are no more than 2 inches long.
- Put the pieces into a sealed container that is tied shut with a bag tie or another type of sealant. This will prevent children from opening it and getting hurt by sharp edges or chemicals inside the plastic.
- Throw away the container in your household trash or take it to an outdoor trash can. Do not put it in an incinerator because PVC releases toxic fumes when burned.
When you dispose of PVC products, follow these guidelines:
- Never throw PVC in the trash or burn it in your fireplace or campfire. This will release toxic chemicals into the air and water supply.
- Only recycle PVC if it's marked with the recycling symbol 03 on its product label or packaging. This guarantees that it will be recycled properly by an authorized recycler.
- If you can't find out whether your PVC product has a recycling symbol on it or if you're unsure about what to do with it, call your local waste management authority for advice on proper disposal methods for your area.
Introducing PLOYS
PLOYS is an Australian owned brand that reduce plastic waste from inflatables. They do this by repurposing and creating unique functionally designed weatherproof bags and purses.
They an environmentally focused Profit for Purpose business based on the principles of reintroducing waste product through a CIRCULAR LOOP
About PLOYS
- PLOYS bags are unique statement pieces that reflect your eco values! Made from 100% recycled PVC from inflatables right from your backyard, which are not recyclable in mainstream waste.
- They have a variety of recycled PVC products to choose from such as tote bags, wet bags, zipper pouches, smartphone cases, toiletry bags, swim and sports bags and even purses made from other soft plastics, such as snack wrapping, combined with PVC as a quirky side-step.
- Designed to make life easier with weather, splash-proof and water resistant bags, created from punctured pool inflatables.
- A percentage of their sales also goes to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation!
Materials they use includes:
- PVC from pool inflatables
- Rubber boats
- Air mattresses
- Broken umbrellas and shower curtains....And much more!
Do you have pool floats for recycling? Become a PLOYSHERO and send them yours or drop them off at one of their collection points. For more info on their collection points visit their website today !
Conclusion: Inflatable Pool Toys are more harmful than you may think
Really, the most concerning issue is that many are made of PVC, which is toxic and there doesn't seem to be a test to determine if your inflatable swimming toy was made from PVC.
So any inflatable pool toys made out of material that isn't labeled as vinyl or polyvinyl chloride are just a risk. Unfortunately, this is something we just have to keep in mind, while we enjoy spending time in the pool
Sources
https://zerowasteeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-06-22-PVC-briefing-FINAL.pdf