August is over, the leaves have started to turn, and the new school year has rolled around again. To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled some of our top tips on avoiding harmful chemicals this Autumn!

For many parents and children, the September term means a return to routine, but also a fresh start with new teachers and new subjects to contend with. The back-to-school season comes with enough stress without also having to worry about your child’s exposure to harmful chemicals, so here are some key pieces of advice to follow:

1. When packing lunch for your child, it’s best to avoid plastic food containers and plastic packaging. These could contain harmful chemicals like bisphenols or phthalates, and studies have shown that these substances can migrate from packaging into food. Instead, opt for stainless steel lunchboxes.
2. Avoid scented stationery – it might sound like a fun choice, but that blueberry marker pen may have a fragrance that could contain harmful chemicals like phthalates.
3. Reusable and single-use plastic water bottles are a potential source of harmful chemicals like bisphenols, which are used to manufacture clear plastic, and can leach into our water. Bisphenols like BPA are linked to various health impacts, including impaired brain development and behavioural issues in children. So, avoid plastic bottles and opt for stainless steel ones instead.
4. As rainy weather increases, be careful of waterproof jackets that contain PFAS, often added for their water-repellent properties. Instead, choose coats that are labelled as ‘PFAS-free’.
5. Look out for playground crazes that encourage children to buy cheap plastic products, such as slime, and fake plastic toys – these can contain a myriad of harmful chemicals as they may be manufactured in countries without effective chemicals regulations.
6. An extra tip for teachers: Harmful chemicals like PFAS and phthalates can build up in dust. Consider keeping the classroom well-ventilated by opening the windows.

While taking measures to reduce your and your family’s risk of exposure can make a difference, it should not ultimately be the consumer’s burden to bear. Stronger regulation is needed to protect us, and CHEM Trust is calling for a ban on the most harmful chemicals from consumer products in the UK and EU.

You can find more information and advice on our Reduce Your Risk webpage.

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