Headed “No Need to Fear Soft PVC“,  a recent statement by the safety and quality group TÜV Rheinland Holding AG is intended to calm consumer anxiety relating to so-called “soft” PVC. The following is the [full] text of the safety and quality group’s press release in this regard (available for download from www.tuv.com – Germany – Press):

Controversy continues relating to the possible hazards of PVC (poly vinyl chloride). Soft PVC, used in clothing and children’s toys, among other things, is a particular source of increasing consumer anxiety. The opinion of experts at the TÜV Rheinland Group in Cologne, however, is that the concerns are groundless.

“Over the past few months, we have received many inquires from consumers relating to the possible hazards of PVC softening agent”, says Dr. Ansgar Wennemer, Harzardous Materials Expert at the TÜV Rheinland Group. Although clear regulations exist governing the permissible limit values for hazardous materials contained in toys (for example, the Sixth Regulation amending the German Consumer Goods Regulations), the question of the same agents contained in clothing remains an open one. The resulting uncertainty fuels continued controversy between environmental organisations and the industry.

The principal softening agents used in PVC at the present time are phthalates. Since these, and other, PVC softening agents do not bond chemically to the PVC, they may be given off by PVC surfaces. “Our many years of testing experience nevertheless reveal that there is no danger of transmission (migration) of phthalates from clothing containing soft PVC“, says Wennemer. “In toys, it is assumed that small children put everything in their mouths and will suck on the product, creating a direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes; in clothing, however, such intensive contact with soft PVC occurs rather rarely“.