Question from kpc
Are you familiar with the brand SnackTAXI ? www.snacktaxi.com
they make reusable snack/sandwich bags. I am trying to figure out how non-toxic they are, and would love your opinion. They say this about their product:
“They are lined with a waterproof material that consists of nylon with a polyurethane coating. After talking to many manufacturers of this product, we understand that this type of coated nylon is free of heavy metals and phthalates. We have found a supplier of this coated nylon who has had their product extensively tested. The tests revealed that the nylon is free of heavy metals (including lead), phthalates, PBBs, and PBDEs. We will be ordering all of our nylon from this supplier going forward.”
Debra’s Answer
This is my second response to this question. I misread the question originally and was receiving comments that obviously also showed some misunderstanding, so I’m just starting over with my answer. Snack Taxis are reusable sandwich bags made of 100% cotton (not organic). The website says, “The manufacturer from which we order most of our cotton has had their material tested and found that it is free of lead and phthalates. We are considering ordering all of our cotton from this manufacturer in the future.” They are “lined with a waterproof material that consists of nylon with a polyurethane coating” which is also “free of heavy metals (including lead), phthalates, PBBs, and PBDEs.” This coated nylon DOES come in contact with the food. Some readers have written that they think the polyurethane coating is on the back of the nylon and does not come in contact with the food. I looked up polyurethane, as I know it can be toxic in other applications, such as floor finish. Apparently, the fully reacted polyurethane polymer is chemically inert (floor finishes contain other chemicals, such as solvents, which are toxic). No exposure limits have been established by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), nor is it regulated by OSHA for carcinogenicity. However, when it breaks down, it decomposes into carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrogen cyanide. There is such a thing as food grade polyurethane. It may very well be that by the time this polyurethane coating is fused to the nylon fabric, it is completely inert. I don’t know. I doubt this is any more toxic than any other plastic sandwich bag, but it can be reused a greater number of times, thereby keeping disposable plastic bags out of landfills.
