Question from Stacey
I purchased some children’s raincoats from a company called Hatley. I had referred to CHEJ (center for Health, Environment & Justice) which had a list of PVC-free products and supplies. The Hatley raincoats are not PVC, but are made of polyurethane, with a cotton/polyester blend lining. The coats do have an odor, and I am wondering if I should keep them. Although they are not PVC, is the polyurethane much better? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
Polyurethane itself, just pure polyurethane, is much less toxic than polyvinyl chloride (PVC). What makes polyurethane foam and polyurethane wood finish toxic are the other chemicals that are added.
If you smell an odor, it means something is outgassing. If you are questioning this, I would return them.
My raincoat is nylon and has no odor.
