It’s time to get ready for a new school year.

Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the beginning of senior year, we grab those lists and start filling our carts with supplies, intent on preparing our children to learn.

But as our children head back to the classroom, do we consider how those supplies could interfere with their ability to learn?

Some school supplies contain harmful chemicals and metals that can cause a variety of health concerns and learning disabilities.

As you consider the bubble-gum scented markers, a bright plastic race car notebook or a comic hero backpack, ask, “What’s in this”?

It is hard to believe that items made for and marketed to children contain harmful toxins, but they do.

Many children’s backpacks and lunchboxes are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl). According to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, PVC production fuses vinyl chloride molecules with toxic metals such as lead and cadmium.

In a 2006 study of lead in lunchboxes, the highest levels of lead were found in the interior of the lunchboxes and, more serious, the lead was found on the surface of the lining, easily contaminating food or hands.

Low levels of exposure to lead can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing and kidney damage. At high levels of exposure, the effects are even more frightening and can result in death.

Since the report was published, many of the larger manufacturers have reduced or eliminated lead in lunchboxes and some lunchbox makers are now labeling their products as lead-free, but not all lunchboxes are safe.

Another common additive to the vinyl used in lunchboxes is DEHP — a phthalate that is a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxicant.

So, what’s a mom to do?

Aim for lunchboxes and backpacks made of natural fiber such as cotton canvas bags. Use wax paper instead of plastic wrap.

If for some reason your child requires a lunch bag or backpack made of synthetic material, choose polyester or nylon instead of PVC.

And what about all the items that go in the backpacks, lunchboxes and desks?

Look for the Art & Creative Materials Institute-certified nontoxic label. Most crayons no longer contain talc and are made from beeswax or paraffin. ACMI mandates that all children’s crayons under its watch be certified nontoxic.

There are three types of markers: water-based, alcohol-based and aromatic solvent-based.

Aromatic solvent-based markers are the most toxic. Many contain xylem, a neurological, kidney, reproductive and respiratory toxin, says the Washington Toxics Coalition.

Alcohol-based markers contain toxins, but they’re not as potent as xylene. Avoid alcohol- and solvent-based markers, both of which are often marked “permanent” or “waterproof.”

Here are the key points for nontoxic shopping:

Look for the AP or CP seal.

When possible, avoid products with a warning label of any kind.

By law, U.S. schools cannot give art supplies with any hazard warning to K-6 school children.

Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission site and sign up for their recall announcements to check what your children may have and to be aware before your next purchase.

Chose natural and unscented over synthetic and scented whenever possible.

Avoid PVC or vinyl.

Ask yourself “What’s in this?” before you buy it. If you don’t know, find out or find an appropriately labeled product instead.

As long as I have worked in Children’s Environmental Health, I still miss things that pose a hazard to my own child. I just went through my purchases of school supplies and, low and behold, I realized I bought two pencil boxes made of PVC.

We’ll take them back and look for a less-toxic option.

Wishing you a healthy start to a great school year!

Jo Miller is the president of the Lead and Environmental Hazards Association and a mother in Sartell.

NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this
material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a
prior interest in receiving this information for research and
educational purposes.