Question from Elizabeth M.
Hi Debra,
Thank you for your informative site.
I have a question that i am hoping you can answer.
I bought a small metallic bag from old navy about 8 years ago and it has been in storage.
I pulled it out and the coating has started to peel.
I looked at the label and it says polyurethane over polyester.
Unfortunately, it was stored around two other bags and some of the chips stuck to the other two bags.
Do you think that there is a chance that there is anything toxic in the small pieces that are coming off? should i safely discard all three bags? Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Debra’s Answer
Polyurethane and polyester as raw materials are not very toxic to begin with. It’s usually the finishes that are toxic.
And plastics, such as these, tend to become less toxic over time.
I’m not concerned about this purse being toxic after 8 years.
I thot plastic got more toxic as it breaks down? It definitely gets a stronger smell. Kinda afraid to let my grand kids play with old plastic toys
It gets a stronger smell as the toxic chemicals are releasing, but then there are fewer and fewer chemicals to release as time goes by.