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How safe's the plastic in your vinyl dominatrix costume?

Submitted by idealbite on Thu, 04/26/2007 - 2:01am.
The Bite:
It could be safer. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most dangerous plastic around due to the cancer-causing chems it releases during and after the production of PVC products like toys, shower curtains and yep, that ridiculous - er, sexy - catsuit, so go for alternatives.
The Benefits: 
  • Better health for you. Blood samples of people near a PVC plant in Louisiana had 3 times the average levels of cancer-causing chems.
  • Better health for kids. The EU banned the use of PVC in kids' toys in '05, and some U.S. cities are following suit.
  • Non-PVC plastics are easier to recycle. PVC is difficult, which is why only about 0.1%-3% of post-consumer PVC (recycle symbol #3) is recycled.
Personally Speaking: 
Ideal Bite team member Kay makes sure most things in her home, including her daughter's toys, are PVC-free, but she's not giving up her old-school vinyl records (or that certain catsuit).
Wanna Try: 
Avoid the recycle symbol #3 or the letter V on plastic products (both of which indicate PVC). Check out "Like This Tip?" (at left) for links to Biter-approved products, and also check these everyday items more carefully:
  • Apparel: backpacks, boots, diaper covers, handbags, luggage, raincoats, shoes, watchbands.
  • Household: fake Christmas trees, imitation leather furniture, mattress covers, photo albums, shelving, strollers, shower curtains, toys.
  • Kitchen: drink containers, dish drying racks, drinking straws, food containers, food wrap, plastic utensils, tablecloths.
  • Office: binders, clipboards, paper clips, tape.
  • Outdoor: balls, kids' swimming pools, garden hoses, inflatable furniture, tarps.
  • Center for Health, Environment and Justice - a list of safe, PVC-free alternative products.
Related Tips: 
The Baby Toys Tip
The Parabens Tip
The Shower Curtain Tip
The Yoga Mats Tip

Related Blog Post: PVC & Three-Eyed Fish

Hey all, Just a heads up for binder alternatives - Storex binders (the ones with the clear sides and colored spines) are PVC-free. They're 100% recyclable and made from 25% post consumer recycled goods. Hope that helps. Pax, Frank
Posted by: Frank DelVeccio | May 21, 2009 at 07:20 AM

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