Pls take more care about ur foam play mats with reproductive toxins used
In case you have not heard, EVA foam mats (marketed as safe and non-toxic) may contain formamide (CAS 75-12-7) which a substance classified as reproductive toxin. Formamide is a chemical added to soften EVA foam, making it more pliable. According to Test Achat, formamide is harmful to reproduction and fetal development, and is a skin and eye irritant. In the European Union, formamide is also classified as CMR, or carcinogenic and or mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. In a directive issued in mid-2009, the use of CMR substances in toys will be prohibited in all EU countries in July 2013.
While US tests have established a link between formamide and certain cancers, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has not yet evaluated the carcinogenicity of formamide.
Even if the foam manufacturer does not use formamide, they often use other dangerous substances such as N,N- diméthylformamide (CAS 68-12-2) and N-méthylformamide (CAS 123-39-7) which are also classified as toxic for reproduction. They may also use acetophenone (CAS 98-86-2), a substance classified as harmful and an irritant. In addition some manufactures use microban (triclosane) to prevent bacterial growth which has its own problems (subject of a future post).
So as you can see, a foam mat manufacturer can claim they are formamide free and that their mats are non-toxic and safe. But that may not and probably is not the case.
Some countries have withdrawn foam play mats from shelves due to concerns that they are not safe.
Belgium
On 10 December 2010, Minister Paul Magnette, who is responsible for consumer production, ordered that foam puzzle mats be withdrawn from the market due to concern that they contain a dangerous substance. This withdrawal follows a series of controls on dangerous substances placed on toys made of EVA foam. These controls were necessary as these products have shown high levels of formamide (CAS 75-12-7), a substance classified as toxic for reproduction.
A study performed by a consumer magazine Test Achat in 2009 revealed that some products contained dangerous substances. This led to Belgian authorities to, on one hand, withdraw products from the market, and on the other hand, for professionals to further evaluate the safety of these products.
France
Belgian authorities communicated their safety measures regarding puzzle mats to France. On 13 December 2010, Marie Taillard who is responsible for press communication for the General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud (DGCCRF), urged industry not to sell puzzle mats pending further information on the toxicity of these toys. The State Secretary responsible for consumer issues, Frédéric Lefebvre, also requested DGCCRF to proceed without delay to impose toxicity controls on foam puzzle mats intended for children and sold on the French market.
Bottom line, when a baby is having quality tummy-time with parents or learning to crawl they should not be exposed to toxic chemicals. Formamide, phthalates, plasticizers, BPA, AZO dyes, heavy metals or other harmful chemicals should not be used in products designed for babies and toddlers. Look for products with contact surfaces made out natural fibers grown without pesticides (i.e. organic cotton). Look for products without fire resistance chemicals or chemicals added to make the product resistant to bacteria, wrinkling or staining. Finally, look for manufacturers who post the results of their environmental & health testing.
Our Foam mat passing EN71, REACH and FORMAMIDE .
Kid's playmat with rails Love new design
Using soft EVA foam mats providing a fun, cushioned surface for your little one. Made of 12"X12" interlocking foam pieces, the mats create a soft base for creative play, insulate your child from cold floors, and add a great contemporary look to any room
Use multiple sets to cover larger areas including rails to make ur baby more safety . Take more safety factors into consideration .Safe, soft, durable and easy to wipe clean with soap and waterEasy to pack away when not in use100% EVA Foam
SGS - Phthalates Test Report 2016 (EVA Foam)
