To wonder if polyester baby comforters are safe?

[RumpetaRumpeta]

I've just read this article in the Guardian about plastic microfibres being found in tap water around the world. Clothing made from synthetic fabric such as polyester, acrylic etc sheds hundreds of thousands plastic microfibres when washed, which ends up in our water systems. The concern in this article is about the chemicals/pathogens that can be harboured by microplastics, and the potential that nanoparticles may also be being released, which can penetrate cells in the body. Research on wild animals shows that toxic chemicals from microplastics are released in the body.

My concern is that my one-year-old sucks/chews cuddly polyester velour comforters to help get himself to sleep, and has done for months. Things like this Jellycat Elly soother and this Giraffe soother. What if he is ingesting thousands of plastic microfibres through this? What would the implications on his health be? What about all the other tens and hundreds of thousands of babies doing the same thing?

I actually became aware of this microfibres issue a couple of weeks ago, and I made my son a replacement soother from a pure cotton fabric. He loves his old comforters much more though, so I feel guilty about taking them away... Do you think I am being unreasonable to do this? And do you think that toy companies should look into this issue with urgency?

YANBU. It is a very valid concern - for the pollution and health.

I think we should move to using only natural or properly biodegradable materials and a more susatinable culture ASAP. There will be many objectors though

Thanks quercus. I am surprised that nobody else has replied to this, as I feel that it's quite a shocking issue! Or maybe I'm not surprised, as it's not nearly as interesting as the average AIBU drama .

I've contacted Jellycat and Jojo Maman Bebe about it as I'd like to hear their thoughts on the matter. At the end of the day we all assume that toys in the shops are safe for our children, and I would hope that therefore the toy companies have a responsibility to reconsider their products in the light of any new research.

I don't necessarily think that all toys should be made of organic cotton, but I do wonder whether items made expressly with babies sucking / chewing them in mind should perhaps be tested for microfibres shedding in future...

I'd be interested in the reply.

MrE I shall let you know if I get one :)

I just go as natural as possible. I really doubt you will get an impartial or useful answer out of the manufacturers you emailed - it's not in their interest.
Just have as little plastic in your home as possible, basically. There will still be loads, as it's everywhere and very difficult to avoid completely, but baby toys and clothes are one area where it's really easy to find alternatives.