Question from Wendy
Lisa,
Can you tell me if it’s toxic to carry handbags made of these materials? I know I may need to find out more details about the chemicals but this is what I have so far.
Handbag 1:
Dyed Nylon with Water and Stain Resistant Coating
Dyed Italian Leather
Nylon Strap
Handbag 1:
70% Polyamide
30% Polyurethane
Vachetta Leather Trim
Wendy
Lisa’s Answer
Let’s take a look at each of the components of these handbags:
Handbag #1:
Nylon with water and stain resistant coating – Untreated Nylon is one of the least toxic plastics. It is still a synthetic fiber that is made from petroleum but there is little concern for its toxicity. It’s the treatment that is more concerning. It’s hard to say without more information but most stain resistant treatments are made with perfluorochemicals (PFCs) which can be highly toxic.
Dyed leather handle– the tanning process for leather can use 250 different chemicals including chromium which can be very toxic.
Nylon strap– If the Nylon is untreated it should be fine.
Handbag #2:
Polyamide– This is Nylon. If it is untreated it should be fine.
Polyurethane– There are different types of polyurethane. Read Debra’s post about polyurethane toxicity here. It is likely that this is a food-grade film which would have low toxicity, but you would need to confirm that.
Vachetta leather trim– This is vegetable dyed leather. Vegetable tanning does not use chromium which is a positive but since there can be 250 different chemicals used in the tanning process you might want to find out more about the specific chemicals used. Some vegetable tanned leather may use all-natural materials, but you would need to check to be sure.
Based on the information you have provided, it looks like Handbag #2 is the safer options, but more information would be helpful.
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for responding. I am trying to get more information on the specifics of the polyurethane and other ingredients.
What I am noticing is, the handbag brand does not know the specifics and divert to the supplier to know the exact contents. Or they are slow to respond which leads me to think the brand doesn’t know about the chemicals on the bag.
Transparency is something you and Debra probably struggled with and I’m only just starting out!
I’ll report back when I know!
Wendy
Re polyurethane – a person selling the brand “my pillow” told me it outclasses. I stupidly never read the label that says polyurethane. Pls warn people. The owner sends free pillows to the military. Wonder if my husband’s cognition is failing bec the pillow was one more straw that broke the camel’s back!
Polyurethane is not toxic but it may have additives that are toxic. Polyurethane foam is toxic and does off-gass. Polyurethane film, such as that used on handbags, may not be toxic if it is used in its pure form.