CHEJ issues annual guide to PVC-free school supplies

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) issued its annual guide to PVC-free school supplies.

Per the guide, CHEJ-commissioned testing in 2012 found high levels of phthalates in common school supplies, such as backpacks, lunchboxes and three-ring binders, which "...would be illegal if these products were toys."

In the guide, CHEJ lists the most common back-to-school supplies made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) plastic and suggests PVC-free alternatives.

In particular, CHEJ advises parents and caregivers to avoid school supplies bearing California Proposition 65 warnings (e.g., "“WARNING: This product
contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer..."), such as backpacks and lunchboxes, as they "likely contain lead."

The guide contains a list of companies that offer PVC-free products, along with retailers offering those products.

Finally, the guide lists "Other toxic plastics to avoid," including acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC) and Polystyrene (PS), with tips on identification.

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