Aaaaaaak! Did I Just Buy PVC Toys for my Child?

Are your kids into Pokemon?  Mine are - big time.  Yesterday, I gave in to a little impulse purchase on the clearance shelf at Target.  A set of plastic Pokemon figurines.  I hesitated, not wanting to bring any more 'cheap plastic crap' into the house.  But these figures looked substantial and I knew my boys would absolutely love them.  It was also a little consolation gift for my 4 year old who didn't get to go to the big basketball birthday party that his oldest brother was invited to that day.  

Long story short, as I was taking the figurines out of their complex packaging (another reason I shouldn't have bought them!), I noticed that familiar smell - PVC - I know it well.  The 'poison' plastic off-gasses toxic fumes from phthalates and other chemicals used in production and has a very distinct smell. 

This surprised me because I thought toys made with PVC were typically squishy - like the classic rubber duckie.  I didn't expect these rigid plastic figures to be made with the stuff.  And I still don't know for sure if they are but I did a search on HealthyToys.org and found some similar looking figures that did test positive for Chlorine/PVC. 

This is exactly the type of issue that the CPSIA will address and I'm glad of that.  Meanwhile, what the heck should I do with these toys?  I really can't see prying them out of my crying son's hands.  It's so darn tough to find the balance between being safe and being overprotective.  My gut tells me that one little set of toys shouldn't be a problem - as long as he doesn't suck on them, which he is not inclined to do.  What would your gut tell you?

Comments

[Leisa A. Hammett]

Since you're so conscious about plastic invading your abode and this is sorta first, there won't be a plastic parade following...I say let 'em in -- given that son doesn't mouth them. But my first thought, however: donate them to Goodwill/charity...which, you could say has it's own issues. What else? Landfill them? Which would mean contaminate the ground/water. Not good. (Found you via DarnGoodBlogging.com.) Cheers,

[Nicole Feliciano]

I use healthytoys too. Here's something I reviewed that might interest you:

http://babble.com/CS/blogs/droolicious/archive/2009/01/12/first-look-eco-friendly-lunch-kit-from-kids-konserve.aspx

It's a green lunch box...very cool progressive company. Feel free to link up to my review or let me know if you want the PR contact.

[Kate]

Let him have them for a little while, but in a few days, when he's not looking, and the 'new' thrill has worn off - sneak them out the door to the Goodwill. This is what I do with the 'plastic crap' that my daughter gets in bday goody bags, etc.