The public now understands that there is a problem with product toxicity. Several individuals have inquired about are bean bags toxic.
Although several chemicals are used in manufacturing bean bag beans, the minimal amounts we deal with in bean bags make them non-toxic. However, before buying bean bags, it is essential to check the labels for any warnings.
Here, we provide a detailed scientific analysis of all you need to know about the dangers of bean bag beans. With this knowledge, you may choose a bean bag and filling that is both secure and kid-friendly.
Are Bean Bag Chairs Toxic?
If you want to know if Bean bag chairs are harmful, the answer is “sort of.” Not all lounge chairs resemble bean bags. Bean bag chairs with vinyl filling aren’t as safe as others, but there are plenty of non-toxic options exist.
Although many people use bean bag chairs nowadays, some worry they may be harmful. Their Concerns have been about the safety of beanbag chairs ever since they were returned to the market. Although some are concerned about the safety of these bean bags, studies have shown they pose little risk.
Let’s assume these bean bag chairs aren’t secure but that there are measures that could be taken to make them safer. If a reputable company manufactured the bean bag chairs, you could be assured that you and your family would be safe. You should carefully consider the risks involved if you choose the cheapest option. Several medical professionals have suggested bean bag chairs as a possible treatment for autism and other disorders.
Labels claiming that the bean bag chair’s substance is carcinogenic and hazardous have been found by people who have purchased the chairs. But some precautions can be taken. Bean bags currently on the market have nothing to do with these brands. Their only possible link is to the low-quality ones with vinyl coverings or fillings. As a result, you should stay away from Vinyl-contact bean bags.
Why is Vinyl considered to be toxic?
Many researchers have shown that Vinyl harms humans and poses health hazards to those using it. Humans are thought to be at risk from the Vinyl material since it continues to off-gas. Cancers of the brain, lungs, and liver are among those that have been linked to this chemical. There are bean bags on the market that are reportedly made from these materials.
The chemical plasticizer diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is used in conjunction with the Vinyl and is likewise toxic. Bean bags, in addition to containing these chemicals, can also contain hazardous fillers like memory foam. This shape emits a poisonous odor when in contact with humans. Humans are also harmed by acetone and methylbenzene. You should avoid buying bean bag chairs made with such dangerous materials. You should replace your unsafe plastic bean bag seats with more secure alternatives.
Health Hazards of Vinyl Bean Bags
The use of vinyl in consumer products, particularly textiles, has been linked to potential health hazards in several studies. Vinyl poses a risk because it can release vinyl chloride, one of its chemical components.
The commercial and industrial production of vinyl chloride results in the production of a colorless gas. It is also used extensively in producing PVC and similar vinyl goods. Most vinyl chloride in these items is emitted during and immediately after production. Therefore, only those working in vinyl plants or related operations are at risk of exposure. Vinyl and PVC goods may continue to off-gas in houses and other enclosed places if they are issued for sale immediately after production.
Several diseases and health problems have been linked to vinyl chloride. Brain cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and a particularly aggressive kind of liver cancer are all on this list. Off-gassing of vinyl chloride from vinyl items is unlikely to cause serious health issues. However, new research indicates that there may be additional concerns with vinyl materials. Flexibility and elasticity must be improved in vinyl before it can be used as a fabric. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is a chemical plasticizer used with a cloth to increase flexibility.
The state of California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) included DINP in its list of 900 chemicals that must have warning labels under Proposition 65 in December 2013. After being reviewed by the state’s Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC), this new component was finally included. According to this analysis, exposure to high levels of DINP raises your risk of developing multiple types of cancer. Some examples are the kidney, pancreas, uterus, blood, and bone malignancies.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) sued OEHHA soon after the decision to add DINP to the Proposition 65 list was announced. The lawsuit claims that there is insufficient evidence to include DiNP. The case, however, is being reviewed at present.
Many other bodies and governments are also looking into DINP, such as the European Chemicals Agency and the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS). The danger to buyers is minimal unless cumulative risk from several goods is considered.
Styrene
The bean bag balls only contained a little bit of styrene. These are also vinyl benzene residues. That’s why some worry that playing with bean bag balls could cause cancer or other health problems.
However, this bare-bones material persists for around seven days after production. Therefore, this chemical is not present in balls when bean bags are introduced to the consumer. In addition, the low concentrations make the styrene danger appear minimal.
Furthermore, styrene poses no threat unless concentrations exceed 20 parts per million, as stated by the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
However, the CDC reports that poisonous compounds can be taken in through the lungs, the digestive tract, or the skin as a liquid. Additionally, styrene concentrations would need to be one thousand times greater than they are now to cause harm to users.
Some kids accidentally consume or inhale beanballs. It’s the only real danger. However, these days, many bean bags include built-in safeguards.
Styrene is not considered a human carcinogen in low concentrations, according to ACGIH. Furthermore, the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) has classified it as a “possible carcinogen” rather than a “carcinogen.” The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed the safety of ordinary bean bag filling. You may restate those falsehoods if you’re considering purchasing a bean bag.
Packing Peanut
Materials derived from petroleum and starch are used to produce packing peanuts. This has led some to conclude that packing peanuts must be poisonous. But no reports show that packing peanuts are harmful. Therefore, packing peanuts are a secure option for filling bean bags.
Other Filler Beads
Cotton and other eco-friendly filler particles like grains, hay, and pebbles have never been listed as harmful in any official database. If not, there would be no reason to assume they are safe to consume. As a result, you can confidently choose these types of fillers. Some, though, wonder if the cotton is poisonous. In most cases, raw cotton is safe to ingest. However, the method of production may make a difference. Therefore, choose a product that produces with safety regulations if you want to go with a safe bean bag filler kind.
California Warning Labels
The state of California just passed a new law known as Proposition 65. This law, which is among the most stringent in the world, even applies to bean bags. This warning is required by California law for any product containing any of the chemicals or substances named in Proposition 65.
According to research, one in 100,000 persons over 70 may develop cancer or a congenital disability from using a product with this label. You may risk your health by reading this disclaimer while lounging on a bean bag. However, the scope of this law is limited to the state of California. However, some businesses put this cautionary notice on every product they sell.
They calculate that this strategy saves them money over choosing items that already include these ingredients. You should know by now that regular bean bag beads pose no danger to people. You might wait to trust bean bag fabrics, though. Most people also wonder if the vinyl used to make bean bag chairs is hazardous.
California, as was noted, has its own set of regulations. This caution should be displayed on all products that include vinyl. This warning label is sewn inside every vinyl-fabric bean bag. Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that is commonly used in upholstery. Vinyl chloride is the source of such odor. However, the concentrations include only innocuous consumer goods.
Memory Foam Bean Bags Raise Concerns
Polyurethane is the material that makes up memory foam. The addition of additives improves the viscosity and pressure resistance of these materials. Polyols, diisocyanates, and blowing agents are all typical components.
Most customers complain that the memory foam has a noticeable odor. Memory foam, according to research, poses a health risk due to off-gassing. When a substance off-gases, it gives off a pungent smell. Memory foam may contain VOCs that contribute to this problem. Let’s find out what’s causing the memory form to stink.
The chemical components of memory foam are usually to blame for this odor. These substances contain,
Memory foam shards used as filler in some beanbags have been linked in recent research to off-gassing and could pose a health risk to users. A unique scent originates from memory foam, which most people notice. The following are some of the chemical components in memory foam products that contribute to the odor and other health risks,
Dimethylformamide: This chemical has been linked to organ failure in animal studies.
Vinylidene chloride is a substance linked to cancer and can cause respiratory irritation.
Acetone: Inhaling significant amounts of acetone can be fatal.
Benzene, or Methyl: Methylbenzene is toxic to the central nervous system if inhaled.
Chlorovinyl idene acetate: The respiratory system may be irritated by this chemical. It is also thought to be carcinogenic.
Therefore, a warning notice required by California’s Proposition 65 should be included in any memory foam product. However, today’s factories prefer high-quality inputs to those derived from petroleum. In addition, some organizations certify products’ quality, and most memory foam producers undergo their safety checks. So, pick a bean bag with memory foam that was manufactured following all regulations. Then, you may rest easy knowing that shredded memory foam is safe.
Choosing safe bean bag chairs
Look for bean bag chairs that won’t harm you when shopping. Bean bag chairs would be fine for daily usage if they were manufactured from the highest grade fabric like Nylon. Bean bags stuffed with virgin EPS beads are relatively handy because they are risk-free.
However, eco-friendly bean bag chairs would be even better than these, as EPS bead-filled bean bag chairs could still cause damage because they are not made from natural materials. Eco-friendly bean bag chairs made from recycled fibers are the best option.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question, are bean bags toxic? Bean bags can be prepared using various fabrics and filler beads. Only vinyl cloth and memory foam filling is met with skepticism.
In addition, the bean bags include labels warning of potential health risks. This leads many to question whether or not it is safe to use bean bags. Chemicals of various kinds are also used in the manufacturing process. However, most chemicals have a minimal effect when in the hands of the average consumer.
Hence, you shouldn’t believe any myths you hear. Learn from the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Then, make good use of it. Consumers need not worry about the safety of bean bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bean bags harmful?
This concern is connected to our question Are bean bags healthy? Modern bean bags, especially those offered by trustworthy stores, are as secure as any other piece of furniture you may use in your home. Doctors advocate using bean bags due to their ergonomic benefits.
What chemicals are in a bean bag?
Polystyrene, often known as expanded polystyrene (styrofoam), is the typical filling for beanbag chairs—the chemical technique used to make this material from petroleum.
Is bean bags good for health?
Yes. It conforms to your body shape and relieves back pain thanks to its ergonomic construction. A bean bag chair’s design also offers complete lumbar, cervical, thoracic, and cervical cranial support. In addition, it aids in alleviating muscle discomfort and encourages improved body alignment.
What are the effects of bean bags?
It has several positive effects. For example, by correcting your posture and giving your muscles and joints the support they need to realign, bean bags can alleviate or prevent back pain and tension. You can sit back and rest knowing your back needs the help it needs because they adjust to your unique form, weight, and height.
Why do bean bags smell?
Some inquire about the source of the “chemical smell” emanating from new bean bags. The unpleasant odor is caused by the blowing agent used to inflate the EPS, and it will dissipate with time.
Are baby bean bags safe?
Yes. Bean bags offer a promising and comforting option for parents of toddlers. Bean bags are a classic toy for toddlers, and they’re also great places to relax while watching TV or coloring. For children, any bean bag will do.
Do Vinyl Covers of Bean Bags Have Any Toxic Effects?
The EPA of the United States has acknowledged the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to vinyl chloride. These conditions disproportionately affect factory employees subjected to high levels of vinyl chloride exposure. Since the final bean bags were distributed soon after production, they contain a relatively low amount of vinyl chloride. Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and other chemicals generate vinyl-based products, but vinyl chloride is the most common.
Increasing the material’s adaptability is the primary function of this agent. However, it is also linked to cancer and may have carcinogenic qualities. According to Proposition 65’s list of 900 substances that need warning labels, DINP is one of them.
The Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC) of California has concluded that prolonged exposure to DINP is carcinogenic. Cancers of the kidney, pancreas, uterus, blood, and bones are all included in this category. Although DINP characteristics are currently being evaluated, scientific evidence suggests that consumers face little risk unless they combine exposure from various items.