How about elastic?

[NotMyTreeStore]

I was wondering if anyone has discovered anything definitive about elastic in regard to phthalates? Have Wrights or StretchRite commented on this? I think I read that they're both OK with the lead ban, but what about this part? My gut would tell me elastic is fine in this regard, but I'd like to read about it,too.

Also, does anyone have a source for any organic (or natural) elastic? NearSea Naturals is out of stock, I think. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

Count me in on the question-asking here. I JUST got done dyeing a crib sheet with such a pretty spiral and THEN I started wondering about the elastic.....

[NotMyTreeStore]

Anyone else....elastic? Safe?

[Former_Member]

what's elastic made from?

*googles*

[Former_Member]

i like wise geek...

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-elastic.htm

[PENultimateLeotards]

I use three types of elastic to produce my gymnastics leotards:

1. 100% rubber elastic
2. elastic which is 35% cotton and 65% rubber
3. a clear elastic, which is 100% polyurethane

I did a little research on the internet today and found out that phthalates are often used as a catalyst in the chemical process which turns the polyurethane from a liquid for to a solid form. But some companies use other chemicals to achieve the same purpose.

I wrote to Rhode Island Textile Company today, to ask them if they know if their Clear Elastic (item number 88237) is produced with phthalates. I have not yet received an answer.

[PENultimateLeotards]

Next I sent the following question, to Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel for the CPSC. I have also not yet heard anything back. they are so backlogged, that I am not holding my breath expecting a quick response.

=================================

According to information released by the CPSC on Friday, Feb 6 ... CPSC will ... not impose penalties against anyone for making, importing, distributing, or selling

o a children’s product to the extent that it is made of certain natural materials, such as wood, cotton, wool, or certain metals and alloys which the Commission has recognized rarely, if ever, contain lead;

...

o dyed or undyed textiles ... and non-metallic thread and trim used in children’s apparel and other fabric products, such as baby blankets.


In light of this information, am I safe in assuming that rubber is a natural product, and that sewing elastics are included in these two categories, particularly 100% rubber elastics, and elastics which are a combination of 65% Cotton/35% Rubber?

There is a lot of concern about elastic on the hand-crafters forums and websites. Thank you

==========

I will post here if I get an answer.

If I get an answer, I believe it will also be posted on the CPSC website, in the FAQ section.

(I also suspect that I might not be the only one writing to the CPSC with this quesiton.)

[PENultimateLeotards]

Oh, I forgot to say that Rhode Island Textile Company is the distributor of Stretchrite Elastics.

[NotMyTreeStore]

Stretchrite, which I have here, is 73% polyester and 27% rubber. There is no polyurethane. I have researched it and can't find anything about phthalates or lead being present in either of these elements.

[NotMyTreeStore]

I am definitely going to watch this thread. I want to know the answer to this!

[Former_Member]

As far as I know elastic is made from natural rubber,covered with cotton.

[NotMyTreeStore]

I just e-mailed Rhode Island Textile about stretchrite. Mine definitely says polyester and rubber. Given that I have not heard of any fabrics, cotton or polyester or otherwise, that have tested positive for either lead or phthalates, I think it's OK.

[Former_Member]

marking.

[Former_Member]

I thought pthlalates is exempt in clothing, except for items used to feed or sleep children under 3. Pthlalates and elastic would only be an issue if you are putting on a toy or one of the items I mentioned above?

[NotMyTreeStore]

That's true, Poppylarity. I forgot all about that. I, too, have only seen that it pertains to feeding and sleeping items for children under 3. I don't think headbands qualify ;-).

Even so, I just bought some 80% cotton(unbleached)/20% rubber elastic to use. Can't hurt! Due diligence, etc. etc.

[Former_Member]

Oh yes, I forgot about headbands. It's still good information to know what it contains.

[PENultimateLeotards]

Yah, I forgot to mention that too. It doesn't matter for gymnastics leotards, if the elastic was produced using phthalates as a catalyst.

But I do like to know what I'm using.

And I thought other people would like to know too. (This isn't the only board I post on.)

And there is always the possibility that in the future, the phthalates ban could be widened.

[Former_Member]

jakboutique, I also, use stretchrite elastic. I'm waiting for a response from them, too.

[Former_Member]

marking...this is one I'm really curious about, as I wanted to start making skirts for little girls...

[Former_Member]

Wouldn't elastic come under the same rule as the parts inside something else? Most use elastic that is inside casings.

[PENultimateLeotards]

@HulaMoon

Some elastic is in casings and some is exposed (like that in intimate apparel.)

Also threads can break and stitching can come loose, exposing the elastic.

[KreatedbyKelly]

This is very timely!! Thank you for this question -- I was just telling my husband last night that I will only be able to make jumpers and/or drawstring skirts for kiddos now.

[PENultimateLeotards]

Jennifer Taggert just posted on a forum on the Bay, that she has never had elastic NOT pass her XRF tests.

She says she has tested over 75,000 items.

I asked her if she has passed her data on the CPSC, but I haven't heard back from her yet.

[NotMyTreeStore]

Thanks, PENultimateLeotards. That's great to know. Stretchrite has not responded to me at all, so it's good to have this confirmed by someone ;-). I feel better now!

[NotMyTreeStore]

In addition, I just read this in the Storque article, in the part that outlined acceptable materials:

"Components that are not accessible, that is cannot be reached by a small child’s finger or tongue. Paint and other coatings or electroplating are not considered barriers that make a component inaccessible."

The elastic I use is encased in cotton fabric, certainly not able to be reached by a small child's finger or tongue. So it's lead-free and is inaccessible, too. That's all good.