Question from chrisw
I purchased a backpack made from nylon which has a polyurethane coating on the inside. It has a sticky feel to it and quite a strong odor. I have confirmed with the bag manufacturer that the coating is indeed PU and is used for waterproofing purposes. Would the PU coating used in this instance be toxic? Thanks, Chris
Debra’s Answer
I personally don’t use any synthetic materials that have strong odors.
I suggest putting the backpack out in the sun for a week and see how it smells then.
I bought luggage coated with PU and stored it in the garage. I live in Florida. Maybe from the heat…my luggage is extremely sticky and everything,g sticks to it. I like the luggage (made by Atlantic). There should have been a caution on where to store in a warm climate. It was not inexpensive.
Is there any way to save it?
Not that I know of, but I would contact the manufacturer.
Sorry! Urethane is a common sensitizer. If you react to urethane, your best option is to eliminate it from your environment; it will not cease to be problematic with airing out for a week or two… if ever. Look for 100% cotton, 100% nylon (which tends to be the most widely tolerated synthetic fiber), or consider making your own.
PU is definitely on my “safer” list. It is used in wetbags and cloth diaper covers and is a preferable alternative to PVC (vinyl). (PU and EVA are.) From the research I found, it seems not to leach anything questionable.
Duluth Trading Co. catalog arrived today, the same day I read Debra’s posts and AUEY’s request for info on an all-cotton backpack. Claims to be 12 oz cotton and 100% cotton lined. However, it does state that the straps are padded. One might think those could be a type of foam within the straps. Hope this helps!
Cindy
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I took a look and it’s great except it’s treated with a chemical to be water and stain repellant.
Don’t expect that plant or animal fibers are best because they’re “natural”. Take a good look at what your real concerns are I think you will find synthetic polymers are usually the best choice. They are generally much more inert; less likely to react with skin, less likely to harbor mold growth. Just find a reputable maker who uses quality polymers. Know your polymers as there are differences. Polyolefins like PP and PE are very safe simple and inert. polyester is long proven. Nylon too. Some of the more modern acrylics, urethanes, silicones, phthalates… you might stay away from or use more carefully. There’s nothing magical about cotton, pulp, wool, etc. In fact some people react badly to these natural polymers or the biology they harbor. They retain water and are eaten by mold which are not so great for your skin. What is the basis on which the holistic doctor makes a claim to use cotton? Do you really believe polyester burned your skin? Could you have gotten a bad bag with something on it or been having a rash that was made worse from the weight or friction or sweating while wearing this bag? beware of myth and anecdote, go with facts and proof. It’s true that we can get ourselves into trouble with technology but to dismiss all man made items as worse than nature and adopt a sweeping holistic mantra is misguided.
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I agree that some of the polymers are OK to use and have been saying that. However, there are some people who MUST avoid all petroleum-based materials due to acute sensitivity, even those materials that are generally considered nontoxic for most people. It’s just as misguided to say it’s OK to use some petrochemcials as it is to say all natural substances are safe, because there are natural poisons. Everyone needs to determine for themselves what the safest choice is for their own body.