Reasons Why You Should Only Buy PVC-free Childrens Raincoats

When you decide to buy a new childrens raincoat make sure you only buy one that is 100 per cent PVC-free. Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short, is a vinyl polymer plastic that is now commonly used in waterproof clothing as well as many other areas because it is inexpensive to make, strong and easily manipulated. Unfortunately it can also be extremely harmful to humans, especially kids, and cause damage to the environment as well.

By adding plasticisers to PVC it can be made softer and more flexible for use in clothing. The most common plasticisers used are called phthalates, and PVC is used In this form to replace rubber.

In recent years PVC has become commonly used in clothing applications, to create either a faux leather material or because of its waterproof properties. It is cheaper than rubber, leather and latex, so it is now more widely used. It is most often used to make raincoats, other outdoor equipment, boots and shoes because of its waterproof properties.

Sadly the phthalate plasticiser chemicals that are added to PVC to make it soft enough for use in clothing are additives that cause a lot of concern for the health and safety of both children and adults. Children are most at risk from the toxic chemicals in PVC, because their bodies and brains are still in development.

Children’s behaviour and metabolisms make them more susceptible to harm from toxic chemicals, for example those released by the PVC life cycle, including phthalates, dioxins, organotins, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride, lead, and cadmium.

PVC contains all of the toxins listed and it is the most toxic plastic for human health and the environment. No other plastic releases as many harmful chemicals as PVC and unfortunately there is no completely safe way to make, use and dispose of PVC.

PVC pollutes the environment and contaminates humans throughout its whole life cycle. Right from its production, through its use, and eventually at its disposal it can cause harm from the toxins it releases. Very few consumers realise that PVC is the most environmentally damaging of all plastics.

Fortunately there are some safer alternatives available now for virtually all applications of PVC, so it is possible to preserve human health and the environment by replacing this toxic substance.

Childrens raincoats made of polyurethane are the perfect alternative to PVC as they are completely waterproof but not harmful at all, to either the child wearing it or the environment.

If more shoppers demand PVC-free products and the public is made more aware of the health and environmental costs of PVC, more usable alternatives will probably also become available.

So when you look for a new childrens raincoat make sure you only buy a PVC-free raincoat for your child. Look out for manufacturers that sell raincoats with polyurethane shells to keep your kids dry. Many will be lined with a soft terry-cotton lining for comfort as well.

Hatley is one such brand to sell PVC-free raincoats, as they are aware of the effects it has, and they support the health of children and have a strong environmental policy. The sell polyurethane childrens raincoats in many designs, and have matching rubber rain boots and umbrellas in their rain gear range.