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Non Toxic Kids Rain Gear – What Materials are safe for kids rain gear?
Kids love puddles! If you are a parent, you may know that rainy days can get messy for kids without proper rain gear. Kids need a rain jacket, rain pants or a rain suit, rain boots and an umbrella. Since rain gear should prevent kids from getting wet, the rain gear material has to be water-resistant or waterproof. Therefore, you can’t just use organic fabrics such as organic cotton as a rain gear material. It won’t be practical. Only some materials have waterproof properties and will be practical and effective in blocking water. Therefore, rain gear is made of a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or waterproof coating is applied on a material to make the material waterproof. Another choice may be laminating the fabric with a waterproof layer. However, some of the waterproof materials or waterproof coatings can be made of toxic chemicals and be harmful. Then what are some safer rain gear materials? Find out what harmful rain gear materials to avoid and what non toxic kids rainwear, non toxic kids rain boots and non toxic kids umbrellas are available.
What Harmful Rain Gear Materials To Avoid
For Rain Jacket, Pants, Suit Materials
Most rainwear fabrics have a coating or a membrane part that blocks rain. The difference between a coating and a membrane is that a coating is applied on the top of the fabric and a membrane is bonded to fabric to create a laminate. A rain jacket can have a membrane placed between the outer layer and inner layer with no coating applied. Another method can involve the membrane or coating being applied inside of an outer fabric and make the outer layer a single material, then an inner layer can be placed inside. Polyurethane (PU), polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PV) are common membrane materials for a laminate. For a waterproof coating, polyurethane (PU) or a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish are widely used. Let’s take a look at what materials or coatings to avoid below.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the worst plastic. It is a water proofing material. However, as I mentioned many times in my other posts, PVC is not only made of bad, toxic chemicals but it also emits volatile organic compounds (VOC). For Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), plasticizer is typically used to make the plastic soft and flexible. The most commonly used plasticizer is phthalates. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors. It also has been linked to breast cancer, decreased fertility, asthma, developmental issues, and obesity. PVC also contains vinyl chloride monomer which is a carcinogen. It also releases dioxin which is one of the most toxic chemicals, during use and disposal. Also, the Center for Health and Environmental and Justice called PVC the most toxic plastic for our environment and health.
Waterproof Coating
Many rain wear has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. When you see a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on clothing, that means it is coated with a water-proof coating. When the jacket has a water proof coating, the water will not penetrate the material but rather the raindrops will bead up on the surface of a jacket. For waterproof or water repellent capabilities, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are typically used.
Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are the group of toxic chemicals that is used as a waterproof coating on outdoor clothing such as rain jackets. These chemicals include PFOA, PFOS and other per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFOA and PFOS can cause cancer (for PFOA) and thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS), low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system so they are no longer manufactured in the United States. However, they are still produced internationally and can be imported into the United States. Also, the EPA found that GenX and PFBS which are the replacement chemicals used instead of PFOA or PFOS are toxic as well. The EPA linked GenX to risk of cancer and concluded that PFBS can harm thyroid and kidney, reproduction and development. GenX and PFBS can be used for goods including textiles, apparel, rubber, plastics and coatings. These toxic chemicals get released into our environment and they do not break down. They exist in our air, water (including drinking water) and soil.
For Rain Boots Materials
Synthetic Rubber
A rubber product can be made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber comes from a rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. On the other hand, synthetic rubber is synthetically made. When a rubber material is made synthetically, petroleum-based chemicals are used. The most common synthetic rubber is styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) which derived from styrene and 1,3-butadiene. Both styrene and 1,3-butadiene are carcinogens. Synthetic rubber can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air you breath in. Most rain boots are made of synthetic rubber or combination of synthetic rubber and natural rubber. When you see a rubber rain boot, you should find out if the rubber is made of natural rubber or a synthetic one. When rain boots say they are made of rubber, there is a good chance that they may be made of a synthetic rubber.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Rain boots can also be made of PVC. PVC is as mentioned earlier, the most toxic plastic.
For Umbrella Materials
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Umbrellas can be made of a polyvinyl chloride material (PVC). As I mentioned earlier, PVC is a very harmful plastic. It emits toxic chemicals and you don’t want your children breathing in volatile organic compounds.
Polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) is another waterproof material that can be used for an umbrella. PEVA is a chlorine-free vinyl and is considered to be less harmful . It is used as a PVC alternative. PEVA, on the other hand, still uses petrochemicals and has volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It may be better since no chlorine is used but it may not be the best option.
Waterproof Coating (Teflon)
Nylon and polyester are the most commonly used materials for an umbrella. These fabrics are tightly woven together so water won’t get through. These fabrics may be used as an umbrella material without any coatings. Some umbrellas may have a silicone layer on a fabric so that moisture does not build up on the umbrella fabric. However, in a really windy and harsh rainy environment, rain may eventually leak into the fabric. To make the umbrella entirely waterproof, some umbrellas may have an added layer of laminated membrane made of Teflon (PTFE) in addition to the face fabric on an umbrella. PTFE is one of about 4700 compounds, a group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS is under the group of chemicals called Perfluorinated chemicals which I mentioned with waterproof coating. A waterproof coating with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) should be avoided.
Non Toxic Kids Rain Gear
Non Toxic Kids Rain Jackets
Polyurethane fabric (PU), polyester, nylon materials would be a great choice for rain jackets, rain pants and rain suits. They are synthetic materials. However, they are better choice than toxic PVC material. Polyurethane fabric (PU) is waterproof. As rain wear material, polyurethane fabric (PU) coating or a membrane is applied to one side of the fabric such as polyester or nylon. Unlike harmful PVC, polyurethane fabric (PU) uses no solvents. It also does not create dioxins and will eventually deteriorate whereas PVC is not biodegradable and creates dioxins during use and disposal. Polyester is water resistant and it dries with ease when it gets wet. Nylon is also water resistant and it dries quickly.
Hatley Rain Jackets – Non Toxic Kids Rain Jacket
Outer Material: 100% Polyurethane (Waterproof and PVC-free)
Inner Material: 100% Polyester lining
Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) Coating : No
Kidorable Rain Jackets – Non Toxic Kids Rain Jacket
Outer Material: 100% Polyurethane Fabric (Waterproof and PVC-free)
Inner Material: 100% Nylon lining
Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) Coating :: No
Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Natural rubber would be the most non toxic material for rain boots. Synthetic rubber and PVC material should be avoided.
HUNTER Rain Boots – Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Boots Material: Natural Rubber
Inner Lining: Cotton
Hatley Rain Boots – Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Boots Material: Combination of natural and synthetic rubber
Inner Lining: Cotton
Kidorable Rain Boots – Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Boots Material: Natural rubber
Inner Lining: Cotton
Stonz Natural Rubber Rain Boot – Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Boots Material: Natural rubber
Inner Lining: Cotton
*For this item listed at Amazon, the listing says these boots have poly vinyl chloride (PVC) sole. That is incorrect. I confirmed with Stonz company and they said that their kids rain boots have no PVC sole.
Non Toxic Kids Umbrellas
Nylon, polyester, polyurethane fabrics can resist or block water. Although they are synthetic fabrics and are not natural materials, they are the best options for umbrellas as long as no waterproof coating such as teflon is used.
Hatley Umbrellas – Non Toxic Kids Umbrella
Kidorable Umbrellas – Non Toxic Kids Rain Boots
Fabric Material: 100% Nylon
Handle Material: Plastic
Waterproof Coating: No
Final Thoughts
Rain gear often has a durable water-repellent coating or it is made of toxic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to be waterproof. Although such waterproof coating or waterproof material can be effective and practical in preventing us from getting wet, they are made of toxic chemicals and potentially be harmful to our health. There are better materials available for rain gear. Polyurethane fabric (PU), polyester, nylon, natural rubber are great material options for rain gear. Kids are less tolerable to toxic chemicals and more susceptible to damage. Therefore, I always research and try my best to find the most non toxic and less toxic options for my daughter. I have used Hatley rain gear since my daughter was young and it’s been working great. I can’t wait till get a new set of rain gear and watch her jump in the puddles with joy. Hopefully, this post is helpful to you when you are finding non toxic rain gear for your kids.
For non toxic art supplies for kids – ‘Non Toxic Art Supplies For Kids – Which Art Supplies Are Safe?‘.
For non toxic toys for toddlers, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Gifts For Toddlers.’
For non Toxic toy brands, please read my post, ‘Best Non Toxic Toys – What Are The Best Non Toxic Toy Brands?‘
For healthy toddler shoes, please read my post, ‘Toddler Shoes Guide and Review – Toddler Shoes That Promote Healthy Foot Development‘.
For what foods to avoid for kids ‘Harmful Chemicals In Children’s Foods – What Foods To Avoid For Children‘.
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What about Bionic Finish Eco out of Germany?
Hi Grace,
Actually, Bionic Finish Eco uses non-halogenated, APEO-free, fluorine-free formulations which can be better alternative to conventional waterproof coatings. It uses non-PFC chemicals. Thanks for letting me know.
I used OAKI rain boots, which are supposed to be made of natural rubber and PVC free. They also have rain suits, but I have not checked whether they have any coating at all or not. Do you have any information about them?
Hi Kay,
This is what Oaki told me about their materials.
The Trail Pants, Trail Suits and Core Jackets are a ripstop polyester or Nylon with an internal membrane which provides the waterproofing. The internal membrane which provides the waterproofing is a polyurethane membrane. The seams are fully taped.
The snap jackets are a cozy cotton interior with a Polyurethane exterior.
The Rain Boots are a blend of natural and synthetic rubber with a thin cotton lining on the interior.
The umbrella is a single layer 100% polyester with a wooden handle. The umbrella has a polyacrylate coating, which is coated polyester.
Hope this helps!