6 Tips For A Non-Toxic Halloween

A study released today by the Ecology Center’s HealthyStuff.org, paired with Pittsburgh-based Women for a Healthy Environment, has found elevated levels of toxic chemicals in popular Halloween costumes, accessories and party supplies.

In the study, 105 types of Halloween gear for substances linked to asthma, birth defects, learning disabilities, reproductive problems, liver toxicity and cancer. The products were purchased from top national retailers including CVS, Kroger, Party City, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.

“We found that seasonal products, like thousands of other products we have tested, are full of dangerous chemicals,” said Jeff Gearhart, HealthyStuff.org research director. He cites poorly regulated seasonal production to the high rates of toxicity.

HealthyStuff.org tested Halloween products for chemicals based on their toxicity or tendency to build up in people and the environment. These chemicals include lead, bromine (brominated flame retardants), chlorine (vinyl/PVC plastic), phthalates, arsenic, and tin (organotins).

Some products contained multiple chemical hazards, including a Toddler Batman Costume whose belt contained 29% regulated phthalates, 340ppm tin, and lead in the lining of the mask at 120 ppm. Overall, 39% of the products contained tin at levels suggesting organotin stabilizers, which are endocrine disruptors and can damage the developing brain and immune system.

In addition to finding many products with chemical hazards, HealthyStuff.org test data shows that many Halloween products do not contain dangerous substances, proving that safer products can be made.

Here’s Six Tips for a Non-Toxic Halloween:

Non-Toxic Halloween Tips

1. Contact your favorite retailers and ask them to sell non-toxic supplies.
2. Avoid vinyl products: Select cloth and natural materials for costumes and decorations.
3. Make-up and masks: Use paint and pencils made from clay or other natural ingredients, our make you own.
4. Trick or Treating: Use old pillow cases or reusable shopping bags.
5. Pumpkins: Roast and eat the seeds and compost the pumpkin when you’re done.
6. Decorations: Avoid plastics and instead use paper, cardboard, leaves or other natural and recyclable materials for your decorations.