Question from Ronda

Hi Debra,

I was looking for lamps and found a lot of them to be poly resin. Some of what I read seems to say that this material is not toxic. Another article said it is toxic. Do you have an opinion on this? Thanks for all of the work you do to help families be safe!

Debra’s Answer

This is a difficult question to answer as there isn’t much information available.

A polyresin is a synthetic resin made from some petrochemical that has other materials added to it. One example is synthetic resin combined with ground alabaster, a natural stone.

Because the formulas for polyresins can vary so widely and as consumers it’s impossible for us to find out what the material actually is with today’s labeling, I would say the most prudent thing to do is avoid it because it’s an unknown.

However, at the same time, the fact that it is a HARD resin means that it is unlikely to outgas.

Use your best judgement. I can’t confirm it’s safe or toxic.