As a parent, one of your top priorities is keeping your little ones safe. And that means being careful about what items and materials they put in their mouths. Recently some parents have raised concerns that board books may contain toxic chemicals. So are board books actually toxic?
As a professional board book printing manufacturer, I decided to dig into the details to find out.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- What board books are made of
- If the materials used are toxic
- How board books are safety tested
- Tips for choosing non-toxic books
Plus much more.
Let’s start by looking at what board books are and what they’re constructed from.
What Are Board Books Made Of?
Board books are small books printed on thick sturdy cardboard or paperboard. The paperboard pages are laminated or coated to make them more durable for small hands.
According to my research, here is what most board books are made from:
- Paperboard – This forms the pages of the book. Higher quality board books use archival boards made from wood pulp.
- Water-based coatings – The paperboard is usually coated with a water-based polymer to create a protective glossy or matte finish.
- Soy-based inks – Most modern board books today use soy-based inks rather than petroleum-based.
- Adhesives – A strong adhesive binds the book sections together. It needs to stand up to tugging and teething.
Now you may be wondering if any of these materials pose health risks. Let’s explore that next.
Could Board Books Contain Toxic Chemicals?
While board books marketed to infants and toddlers should be safe, some parents have reasonable concerns about potential toxins:
Inks – Certain pigments used in fabrics and plastics have contained heavy metals like lead, though modern soy-based inks are far less likely to.
Laminates and adhesives – Water-resistant coatings may conceivably contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical often found in clear plastics and known to disrupt hormones. Strong adhesives could also harbor toxic compounds.
Dyes – Bright colored images appeal to little ones. But certain fabric dyes release cancer-causing chemicals. High quality board books however apply color via safe soy-based inks.
Off-gassing – Some argue that laminated paper releases VOC fumes that babies ingest by chewing books. Uncoated board or cloth books avoid this issue.
So while board books are probably safer than letting your toddler teethe on random household objects, vigilant parents may have some legitimate reservations.
Are Board Books Required to Be Safety Tested?
In the United States, board books and other children’s products must meet safety guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They limit the levels of toxic elements like lead and phthalates.
However compliance is voluntary. Responsible publishers take steps to ensure their books don’t contain concerning levels of heavy metals, chlorine, or toxic chemicals. But not all do.
And despite regulations, occasional recalls of contaminated toys still occur. So skepticism about board book safety isn’t entirely unfounded.
How to Choose Non-Toxic Board Books
If you want to minimize toxins, here are some tips for choosing and using board books:
- Check for certifications – Look for OEKO-TEX, GREENGUARD, or CPSIA labels indicating the book meets safety standards.
- Choose uncoated board – Paperboard without laminate, like those from LillyPilli or Piccoli, avoids any coating-related issues.
- Buy from trusted makers – Well-known brands like BabyLit and Priddy Books work to ensure their books are non-toxic.
- Use washable books – Bath book versions from companies like Samantha Berger let you occasionally disinfect.
- Check secondhand carefully – When buying used books, inspect carefully for damage, mold, or age-related breakdown before giving to your child. Damaged books may expose your child to hidden dangers like lead or other toxins. Only purchase books in excellent condition from smoke-free homes.
- Limit chewing – Obviously babies will gnaw books occasionally. But since board ink/paper can break down over time, discourage using books as teethers. Provide alternate safe chewing options.
Following these common sense precautions reduces risks while still allowing your child access to stimulating books they’ll treasure.
Board books remain popular because they promote learning while standing up to exploratory handling. By selecting high quality volumes and exercising care in their use, parents can feel confident giving babies access to these educational tools.
In Summary
While no definitive yes or no answer exists about toxicity, following some basic safety guidelines helps minimize unwarranted fears. So take reasonable steps to avoid chemicals, but don’t deprive your little one the chance to discover a lifelong love of reading.
I hope this complete guide has helped explain if board books really present health hazards. What steps do you take to buy safe products for your family? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section.