Is this lunch/cooler bag safe?

[AttachedMamma]

With all the hype about lead in lunch boxes/bags, I'm concerned about whether I should keep this small cooler bag I've had for several years.

It doesn't have a brand name on it (my mom sent it to us). This is what the label says:
shell: 100% nylon
lining: 100% pvc (the interior is white)
Made in China :shifty

I'm in a cleaning/organizing mode today, so if someone says toss it, it's outta here! ;)

cindi

[mom2threegirls]

I definitely wouldn't use it if the liner is 100% pvc :shrug. I just threw out all our lunch bags with the rubbery pvc liner and replaced at least DD's with one that is 100% polyester. Maybe they were fine but it's not worth the uncertainty for me.

[2sunshines]

Anyone have a link for more information on this? I've heard about it in passing but not too much info. Where is the lead actually? What materials do you want to avoid?

[Rabbit]

It's the vinyl (PVC) that's the concern in lunch boxes. It -always- contains lead, but the levels in the recalled lunch boxes were higher than legally allowed.

[2sunshines]

So, are all/most lunch boxes made of PVC on the inner layer? And how do I know if ours is? My ds takes one to school every day but I cannot find any info in it on the materials. :think

[Rabbit]

The soft sided ones are. Compare it to the one you have that's labeled PVC. It's usually a white or clear layer with no fabric grain or texture to it, and it has a distinctive smell. (If you can't really smell it, try heating it and your sample with a hairdryer for a moment. That'll really bring the vinyl smell out!)

[2sunshines]

one has no labels. the other one says: polyehtylene/polyurethane

Is that different from PVC?

[Rabbit]

Yes! It's PUL like what's used in diaper covers. PolyUrethane Laminate. It's a much safer choice than vinyl.

[2sunshines]

thanks.