Are These Toxins Living In Your Lunchbox?

You know it, I know it, we all know it: Lunchboxes can be pretty gross. All their little nooks and crannies, rubber gaskets, odors, and stains can all be super tough to clean if you’re living with a plastic lunchbox. But, did you know that something even worse lurks in your kid’s lunchbox? Toxins. If you don’t have a silicone or stainless steel lunchbox, your kid’s food is being exposed to toxins. Keep reading to learn more about the toxins in lunchboxes and what you need to replace them with ASAP.

Common Lunchbox Toxins

If you have a plastic lunchbox, it’s time to ditch it. There are way healthier options available for your child that will not only keep them free from toxins but are even easier to clean and use for you, too.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They are often called plasticizers. Some phthalates are used to help dissolve other materials. Phthalates are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, personal-care products, and, yes, your child’s lunchbox. (source)

Phthalates have been found to be harmful in animal studies, and the Centers for Disease Control has detected them in the urine of a majority of the thousands of people it has tested in the United States. (The New York Times)

Lead

A study by an Oakland-based environmental group found harmful levels of lead in some lunchboxes made of soft vinyl. The Center for Environmental Health filed lawsuits late last month against several lunchbox manufacturers and various retailers who sell the products.

The environmental group found that 27 lunchboxes -- one-quarter of the products tested -- had high levels of lead when tested with an at-home detection kit. The group then sent those 27 products to an independent laboratory for more rigorous testing; that study found that 17 of the lunchboxes contained lead in excess of federal safety standards. (Los Angeles Times)

BPA

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing and added to many commercial products, including food containers, baby bottles, plastic water bottles, and hygiene products.

Researchers have found that BPA exposure is linked to a number of health issues, partly because BPA mimics the structure and function of the hormone estrogen. That means BPA can bind to estrogen receptors and influence bodily processes, such as growth, cell repair, fetal development, energy levels, and reproduction. In addition, BPA may also interact with other hormone receptors, such as those for your thyroid, thus altering their function. (Healthline.com)

PVC

PVC is the most environmentally damaging plastic. The PVC lifecycle -- its production, use, and disposal -- results in the release of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals. These toxins are building up in the water, air, and food chain.

The result is severe health problems, including cancer, immune system damage, and hormone disruption. No one can escape contamination: Everyone, everywhere, has measurable levels of chlorinated toxins in their bodies. (Greenpeace.org)

You Need a Toxin-Free Lunchbox

If you have a plastic or vinyl lunchbox, this is your sign to ditch it ASAP! Innobaby has an entire line of toxin-free mealtime essentials as well as toxin-free bath essentials, fidget toys, baby gear, and more.

Innobaby Keepin' Fresh Stainless Steel Divided Bento Box with Lid

Ready for a lunchbox you’ll never have to worry about? Innobaby's Keepin' Fresh Stainless Steel Snack Box is a SMART food storage solution for home and on-the-go!

Available in three different sizes, these puppies are great for storing sandwiches, pastas, veggies, and more, plus our unique divided design keeps food separated and mess-free. The double-lined wall keeps food cold or warm up to 2 times longer than standard containers while acting as a protective shell to protect little hands from extreme temperatures.

Also, the airtight hinged lid is a snap to open and close, seals in freshness, and is simple enough for toddlers and small children to use. The perfectly portioned stainless steel bentos are easy to wash too, thanks to the removable stainless insert, and they’re even top rack dishwasher safe.

• SAFE FOR YOUR CHILD - The original Innobaby Stainless Steel Container is made of the highest quality, food-grade 304 stainless steel (18/10 stainless) in South Korea. This product is non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, and lead-free.
• LEAK-PROOF DESIGN - Our airtight, leakproof lids seal in the freshness to keep food fresher for longer. The easy to use lid is a breeze to snap on and off, even for young children and toddlers.
• HELPS KEEP FOOD FRESH - The double wall design means food stays warm or cold longer than traditional snack containers or sandwich bags (2 times longer!) The removable plastic outer layer also doubles as a protective shell to keep little hands safe from extreme temperatures.
• ECO-FRIENDLY STAINLESS STEEL - Our rectangular snack boxes make a great alternative to classic sandwich bags because they are washable and reusable, eliminating excess waste. Ideal for zero-waste school lunches.
• EASY TO CLEAN – All parts can be separated for easy washing. Top rack dishwasher safe; however, due to the nature of different materials used in this product, hand washing is recommended to extend use.

For more parenting tips and safe, non-toxic products for the whole family, visit us at Innobaby.com!